PARAMEDICS in Greater Manchester had little chance to welcome in the New Year after recording one of their busiest-ever nights.

From 7pm on New Year's Eve to 7am on New Year's Day, the ambulance service dealt with 1,722 emergency calls countywide. On a normal day, they handle 1,200 calls.

The most hectic period was between 1.30am and 4.45am.

Control manager Janet Chadwick said: "It was busy but manageable as we were prepared for a surge in calls."