Essex residents made more New Year calls to the ambulance service than this time last year.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) received 707 calls from Essex from 7pm on New Year’s Eve to 7am on New Year’s Day, compared to 613 in the same period a year ago.

Across the east of England, there were 2,164 emergency ambulance calls made, a decrease from 2,500 calls last year.

Rob Ashford, EEAST acting director of service delivery, said: "My thanks and praise go out to all our staff and volunteers who worked during this difficult shift.

“They have all been working as hard as ever over the festive period and I’m proud of all those who have been carrying out lifesaving work for the Trust over the past few days.

“While a downward trend, however slight, is good news and a sign that perhaps people are taking note of our advice, it's still a very busy start to the year.”