The region's ambulance service is urging the public to 'be prepared' ahead of what they predict to be a very busy Easter bank holiday.

The East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) received more than 12,300 emergency calls last Easter and responded to just over 9,180 incidents during that long weekend.

In Norfolk they received 2,008 calls and in Suffolk the number was 1,601. In Cambridgeshire the service were called 1,692 times.

And this year the ambulance trust has issued seven tips to people to avoid an emergency this Easter:

• If you have a long-term condition, make sure you have enough of your prescription medication to get you through the long weekend

• If you are feeling unwell now, seek medical advice before Easter starts. Don't let your condition deteriorate

• Make sure your medicine cabinet is fully stocked so that common ailments such as colds can be treated at home

• Be prepared for changes in the weather

• If you are going out drinking, know your limits and alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water

• Be safe on the roads. Keep your distance from the car in front to help avoid accidents

• If you need urgent medical advice over Easter, NHS 111 is available 24/7. Please remember, 999 is for life-threatening conditions only.

Kevin Brown, Director of Service Delivery for EEAST, added: 'If people can enjoy a happy and safe bank holiday by being prepared, it will have positive consequences all round.

'For instance, your GP surgery is likely to be closed over the long weekend, so it is essential that you have enough prescription medication if you have a long-term health condition.

'Please remember that 999 is for emergencies, such as life-threatening injury or illness - if you need urgent medical advice over the bank holiday, you should call NHS 111 where your needs are most appropriately helped.'