NEW Year revellers in Havering are being urged to plan their journeys in advance and to wrap up warmly as London Ambulance crews prepare for their busiest night of the year.

London Ambulance crews are expecting a huge surge in the number of 999 calls tonight as New Year’s Eve is traditionally one of their most busiest times of the year.

Ambulance Operational Manager for Havering, Michael Cornett said: “Our staff in the control room and those on ambulances always work hard to look after Londoners. On New Year’s Eve we always see a big increase in 999 calls and as ever we are well-prepared.

“However, I’d urge people to wrap up warm and plan their journey home in advance if they’re out celebrating the New Year and drinking in and around central London. And people should try to drink responsibly and pace themselves – we want people to have a good time, but over doing it can damage your health and lead to other associated injuries.

“Alcohol-related calls put extra pressure on the Service and every minute that we spend looking after somebody who is simply drunk, is a minute that could have been spent helping a patient who is seriously ill or injured. Please enjoy yourself but do it sensibly – a night out shouldn’t end up in the back of an ambulance or in an A&E department.”

People are being adviced to eat before drinking to help soak up alcohol, have some soft drink to keep themselves hydrated and to keep an eye on their friends to make sure that no one gets left behind.