EMERGENCY services workers had to deal with four calls every minute overnight - including assaults, road traffic crashes and overdoses.

West Midlands Ambulance Service say the number of 999 calls from 8pm to midnight last night steadily increased, but surged as soon as 2014 arrived.

More than 200 ambulances and 100 paramedics responded to 1,875 999 calls betwee 8pm last night and 5.50am this morning, including 159 in Worcestershire alone.

It included a two-vehicle crash in Callow Hill Rock, Kidderminster at 0.55am today in which seven people were involved.

One teenager was airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital with abdominal injuries, while the other six had either minor scrapes or were unscathed.

The NHS foundation trust's chief executive Anthony Marsh said: “It’s thanks to the meticulous planning, hard work and dedication of staff on new year’s eve that we’re able to continue to provide patients in the West Midlands with high level care when they need it the most.

“New year’s eve is traditionally the busiest night of the year for the ambulance service.

"This year has been no exception and I am immensely proud of the way the service has dealt with the surge in 999 calls.

"Thank you to my staff and the many volunteers who have given up their night to ensure the safety of everyone.

"I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014.”