HUDDERSFIELD people are being urged to be prepared this Christmas as doctors' surgeries close for the festive period.

Patients needing regular medication are being reminded to plan ahead and collect prescriptions as GP practices shut for the holidays.

All surgeries across the town will be closed from December 24 to 27 and from December 31 to January 3.

Today Sohail Bhatti, director of public health for the Huddersfield's two primary care trusts, urged people to be prepared.

He said: "The winter months bring with them the usual coughs and sneezes, so it pays to be well prepared.

"We would ask all patients to consider keeping a basic first aid at home.

"Your local pharmacist can advise you what you need.

"Items such as painkillers, bandages, indigestion and diarrhoea treatments are a good start."

Some local pharmacies will remain open over the festive period.

They will be working together to operate a rota system.

People are also being encouraged to contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for expert medical advice.

People with urgent medical conditions needing attention before their practices re-open can also call their surgery for details of out-of-hours services.