AMBULANCE crews had their busiest day ever on New Year's Day as they responded to more than 4,600 emergency calls.

During January 1, the West Midlands Ambulance Service received 4,629 emergency calls, 807 more calls than the next busiest day which was January 1, 2011.

In Worcestershire alone the trust received 315 calls on New Year's Eve, 397 on New Year's Day and 364 on January 2.

This is compared to 269, 276 and 305 calls respectively on the same days last year.

The busy day also followed 'an incredibly busy festive period' for the trust.

For the five day period between Thursday, December 29 and Monday, January 2, the service took 18,583 calls compared to 15,933 for the same period in 2015-16.

That equates to a 16.6 per cent rise in call numbers for the five days.

Whilst the evening of New Year’s Eve and the early hours of New Year’s Day were filled with alcohol related calls including assaults, falls and unconscious patients, the majority of calls during the five days were for people who were unwell with the likes of breathing difficulties, chest pains and falls.

Trust chief executive Anthony Marsh, said: “I am very grateful and proud of all the staff and volunteers that worked through this period. While the majority of people were enjoying time with family and friends, my staff were working 24 hours a day to keep the public of the West Midlands safe.

“Over the years we have developed incredibly detailed plans and made preparations for this incredibly busy period. Once again, that planning has paid off and we have met this challenge and continued to provide a very high standard of service to patients.

"This would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication and passion of my staff and I am extremely grateful for their continued efforts.”

We reported how all 23 cells at Worcester Police Station were full on January 1.

One driver crashed off the road at Fish Hill near Broadway, later blowing 66mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath (the legal limit is 35mcg).

One driver arrested between junction five (Droitwich) and six (Worcester) blew 91mcg.