GP practices across Bradford District and Craven close on Friday, December 22 and reopen on Wednesday, December 27, so people are being urged to make sure they do not run out of medicines.

Although some GP services will be available over the festive period, this is to help emergency services and not for routine appointments, most practices will be closed.

Local NHS chiefs are also reminding people that doctors' surgeries will be shut on Monday, January 1.

Dr Dave Tatham, clinical lead for urgent and emergency care at the three local CCGs, said: “It’s often easy at Christmas when people are so busy to forget to order repeat prescriptions, but, not having enough supplies means risking getting ill if you do run out.

"People who don’t have enough medicines can also put a lot of strain on emergency services which are there to deal with life-threatening and urgent health problems – not to issue repeat prescriptions. If you do need repeat medicines during the holiday period, call NHS 111, which is free to call and open 24/7, they can arrange an emergency supply.”

There are pharmacies open over the bank holidays, a full list of those pharmacies and their opening times is available at bradforddistrictsccg.nhs.uk/your-services/pharmacies/

People are also being reminded how to Stay Well This Winter with messages on local buses and on boards. Visit nhs.uk/staywell/