AMBULANCE controllers are bracing themselves for the usual timewasting or downright bizarre calls over Christmas and New Year.

The North East Ambulance Service is urging members of the public to call 999 only for life-threatening and serious cases.

But despite their pleas, they know that they will get calls from people who should know better.

"We have had calls recently from people who have rung 999 for an ambulance because their heating has broken down," a spokeswoman for the North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust said.

"One guy rang up saying he had spent so long waiting in a queue for taxis that he was freezing and needed an ambulance," she added.

While these calls can seem funny afterwards, every call taken by ambulance controllers and every emergency vehicle sent out on a non-urgent call means that the 999 service is less able to respond to a genuine emergency.

Ambulance bosses say that if you are suffering from a minor problem such as a cough, cold, sprain or sore throat you should speak to your local pharmacist, call NHS Direct for advice on 0845 46 47, make an appointment to see your GP or visit your nearest walk-in health centre or treat yourself.

What you should not do is ring 999.

Paul Liversidge, director of accident and emergency services, said: "We certainly don't want to deter anyone from calling 999 for genuine life-threatening situations, we just want the public to think before calling for an ambulance at this busy time.

"We have received 999 calls in the past 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 and blisters on feet.

"These cases need some form of help but not an ambulance with fully-trained paramedics."

An emergency involving a critical or life-threatening situation, when 999 should be called, could include such symptoms as: chest pains, breathing difficulties, collapses, unconsciousness, severe injuries, severe pain and bleeding, or a serious road accident.

Walk-in health centres are situated in King Street, Darlington, Peterlee Hospital, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Gateshead's Bensham Hospital, and Westgate Road, Newcastle.

Patients in North Yorkshire can also visit minor injury units at Whitby, Ripon and Malton hospitals.