People are being urged to order their repeat prescriptions early.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) says this will help people avoid 'unnecessary stress' and ensure they remain healthy during the holiday season.

Last winter, more than 18,000 calls to NHS 111 were related to repeat prescription medications, making it the third most common reason for contacting the service.

There is always a big rise in the demand for repeat prescription medications around bank holidays.

Over the August bank holiday weekend, there were 2,405 calls - an 81 per cent increase compared to the previous weekend.

Paul Johnston, Integrated Contact Centres (ICC) Service Delivery Manager for NHS 111, said: "By ordering your repeat prescriptions in advance, you can help ease the pressure on our health services, like NHS 111, and ensure you have everything you need over the holidays.

"Running out of essential medication can have serious consequences, and we want you to enjoy a healthy, stress-free festive season.

"Please also remember to only order what you actually need.

"Every year, a significant amount of medication goes to waste.

"Before requesting your prescription, check what you already have at home and only order what you are running low on."

Steve Riley, Deputy Regional Chief Pharmacist at NHS England North West, said: "The last thing anyone wants during the festive season is to be worrying about their medication running out.

"Planning ahead, re-ordering the prescription medications that you need, re-stocking your medicine cabinets and knowing when your GP practice is open means that you can focus on what’s most important at Christmas and New Year, being with your friends and family.

"Community pharmacies can support your medicines and health needs during the festive season."

The simplest way to order repeat prescriptions is through the NHS website or mobile app using an NHS account.

Alternatively, prescriptions can also be requested directly through your GP practice.