A DALES paramedic is urging the public to help the ambulance service help them by ensuring house names and numbers are clearly displayed.

Peter Shaw is distributing posters across the area asking homeowners if their number is up - and pointing out it could be if ambulance crews struggle to find them in a life-or-death emergency.

"We can't help you if we can't find you," said Mr Shaw.

"Crews push ambulances to get to a patient as quickly as possible, so it is frustrating when the delay is because we can't identify the house name or number.

"When residents are well, they don't feel the need to have clear markings on their homes but, when they are ill, they want a speedy response from the ambulance service.

"We are just trying to get the message across that they need to have the forethought to display their house name or number clearly so we can get to them faster."

Anyone interested in helping spread the message can obtain copies of the poster by telephoning 07966 635014.