The North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust's control complex received 3,720 between Christmas Eve and 27 December.

On Christmas Eve, they received the most calls for drink-related incidents and on Boxing Day the most calls relating to chest pains.

Managers said staff coped well during what was a busy period.

Director of accident and emergency Paul Liversidge said: "Christmas periods are a busy time for the North East Ambulance Service and this year was no exception.

"I would like to thank our staff as they have continued to approach their work with their usual good humour, hard work and determination.

"The bad weather conditions do not help the North East Ambulance Service as the snow hampers our ability to respond to patients who really need our help, so I would like to urge patients to only call 999 when there is no alternative treatment."