THE Yorkshire Ambulance Service has urged people only to phone 999 in an emergency this Easter weekend.

The four-day Bank Holiday weekend is often the busiest of the year for the service, and has once again reminded North Yorkshire residents of the alternatives to 999 for minor ailments.

Dr David Macklin, executive director of operations, said: “Typically more people will be out and about with friends and family during the Easter break and this can lead to more people becoming ill or injured and requiring medical attention.

“We usually see a rise in alcohol-fuelled incidents too.

“We don’t want to stop people having a good time or deter them from calling 999 in a genuine emergency but we are asking people to look after themselves and others and think carefully about whether an emergency ambulance is the most appropriate service for their needs if they become ill or injured.”

Anyone with less-serious conditions can visit local pharmacies, minor injuries units or walk-in centres, or phone NHS on 111.