AMBULANCE bosses have appealed to the public not to make unnecessary 999 calls over the festive season.

People should only call an ambulance if they believe someone's life is in danger, according to the North-East Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Officials hope to reduce the number of calls that do not need a front-line ambulance.

Paul Liversidge, director of accident and emergency services, said: "We receive 999 calls for minor problems such as sore throats, coughs and colds when they clearly don't need assistance from the ambulance service.

"We also receive calls which are clearly not appropriate for us, such as cut fingers, dog bites and blisters.

"These cases need some form of help but not an ambulance."

Mr Liversidge said the service did not want to deter anyone from calling 999 for genuine life-threatening situations. However, he urged the public to think before calling an ambulance.

According to the service, a 999 call should only be made when someone has chest pains, breathing difficulties, has collapsed, has become unconscious, has been severely injured, is bleeding seriously or has had a serious road traffic accident.

It said minor health problems should be dealt with by self-care, speaking to a pharmacist, calling NHS Direct for advice on 0845 46 47, making an appointment to see your GP or visiting a local walk-in health centre.