Ambulance chiefs are highlighting the problem of trivial 999 calls in Shropshire.

An exhibition, staged in conjunction with BBC Radio Shropshire, was held at Telford Town Centre on Monday 10 February to try to educate local people.

Shropshire Ambulance Service has revealed that up to 40% of their 22,000 annual call-outs could be dealt with better by another medical agency.

Paramedics are concerned that ambulances which are needed for real emergencies could be delayed because of the non-urgent 999 calls.

Quite clear

Ambulance spokesman Steve Parry said: "The service does face an increasing problem from people who feel they need an ambulance.

"When we arrive, it is quite clear to our paramedics and technicians that the call should never have been made in the first place."

Mr Parry added: "In other words, the people at the end of the phone could have, if they had thought of it, contacted another agency or someone like a GP, a dentist, a pharmacist of even NHS Direct."