THE North West Ambulance Service North West Ambulance Service is being affected by the strike.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that the service is operating with a reduced workforce today and we do have less ambulances on the road than we would normally have.

"Out of the north west region, Greater Manchester is particularly affected with approximately 50 per cent of our frontline road staff supporting the action by not reporting into work.

"Fortunately, the emergency control centre has a good volume of staff operational and we are answering 999 calls in good time, however the lack of ambulances on the road is having a major impact and there is a delay in getting to some patients.

‘We have activated all of our contingency plans in order to ensure the county’s population receive a response from us but we urgently need the help of the public and ask that they only call 999 in the event of a serious or life-threatening condition."