HUGE queues - some 60 people long - formed at some accident and emergency departments in the region, highlighting the extent of the crisis facing the National Health Service.

The Monday morning snapshot confirmed fears the service was under "severe pressure" and triggered fresh calls for the public not to go to A&E unless they have a genuine emergency.

In a separate development, ambulance bosses urged people not to ring 999 unless it is absolutely necessary after an "unprecedented" 30 per cent increase in emergency calls over the Christmas weekend compared to last year.

Large numbers of people turning up at hospital A&Es across the region over the weekend led to long waiting times and some cancelled operations.

The situation is being made worse because large numbers of older people with respiratory illnesses are also being admitted.

The icy conditions, leading to slips, trips and broken bones, are not helping.

It follows a weekend of what they ambulance officials described as “unprecedented demand.”

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said that the number of emergency calls was up to 30 per cent higher than normal over the same period last year.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service said the number of ‘red’ calls for the most seriously ill or injured rose by 30 per cent.

At the same time YAS call handlers, who answer calls to the NHS 111 urgent care helpline, experienced a 56 per cent increase.

YAS staff dealt with almost 20,000 NHS 111 calls between December 27 and 28, up by more than 7,000 compared to the same period in 2013.

On Boxing Day, the number of people calling NHS 111 in Yorkshire increased by 90 per cent compared with last year.

David Macklin, executive director of operations with the YAS, said: “This increase in demand to 999 is unlikely to fall over the New Year period and, whilst we do not want to deter people from calling 999 in serious cases such as heart attack, breathing difficulties or stroke, we do need people to think very carefully about their options and consider whether they really need an ambulance or there is another option available to them.”

Paul Liversidge, director of operations at NEAS, said: “If your injury or ailment isn’t an emergency, then a GP, pharmacist or walk-in centre may be more suitable.”

GP practices are open every day, apart from January 1. They are also open on Friday, January 2 with some open on Saturday, January 3.

If someone has an injury or ailment which is not an emergency they can call NHS 111, or seek help from their GP, pharmacist or local walk-in or urgent care centre.

More information is available at keepcalmthiswinter.org.uk or @keepcalmne