Ambulance crews had one of their busiest nights of the year as people celebrated the New Year.

Souith East Coast Ambulance Service dealt with an average of three 999 calls every minute during the last few hours of 2010 and the first hours of 2011.

There were more than 1,200 calls, which was more than 200 higher than the same period the year before.

A large number of the calls reported people falling over, suffering from breathing difficulties or being injured in fights and assaults.

Chief executive Paul Sutton said: “I'd like to thank every member of staff, many of whom gave up their own time to work additional hours not only during this busy night but throughout the festive season.”