Residents are being urged to be prepared this Christmas and only call an ambulance in a genuine emergency.

London Ambulance have offered a number of tips to residents to ensure they keep well this Christmas.

Advice includes ensuring prescriptions and medicine that may be needed over the festive period are picked up in advance, choosing the right place to treat health problems such as a walk-in-centre or calling 111 for minor injuries or illnesses.

People are advised to consider making their own way to hospital if it is not an emergency, make sure their medicine cabinet is well stocked and look after vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.

Victoria Graham Ambulance Operations Manager for Croydon said: "We are reminding those in Croydon to keep well this winter and choose the right place to treat their health problems.

"While some out-of-hours GPs will be available, it might be difficult to get medicines over the bank holidays. It is important people make sure they have enough of their medication to last over the holiday period.

"Our priority is to get to the most seriously ill and injured patients as soon as possible. Please help us by only calling 999 in a real emergency, and seeking help elsewhere for less serious problems."