ICY pavements caused a pre-Christmas rush at local hospitals as dozens of people suffered breaks and sprains after slipping over.

At Good Hope Hospital, there were so many patients suffering from wrist, ankle and back injuries that surgeons had to create an extra theatre list to cope with the number of operations needed.

Frost, black ice and frozen snow made getting about on foot in most areas of Tamworth a dangerous pursuit.

Robert Peel Hospital were unable to comment on the number of weather-related injuries they had dealt with, but Anthony Bleetman, lead consultant in the emergency department at Good Hope Hospital, said: "We have seen an increase in people arriving at the hospital with injuries caused by the icy weather conditions, the most common being wrist, ankle and back injuries. We have put in extra measures to manage this increase.

"We would like to remind everyone to take extra care with the ice when out and about this Christmas and new year. We also advise people to keep warm as we do see hypothermia cases in colder weather and to make sure their gas heaters are properly maintained to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning."

Jackie Jones, director of nursing at Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "As is normal during wintry weather, we have noticed an increase in the number of people attending our Accident and Emergency Department at Queen's Hospital in the past seven days to be treated for broken bones and injuries caused by slips, trips and falls.

"We would encourage people, particularly those with mobility difficulties, to take extra care when outside and consider whether their journey is necessary."

Andrew Barratt, deputy director for operational services said: "The gritting of roads is the responsibility of the Highways department at the County Council. All of the major routes and main pedestrianised areas of town centre are gritted however this does not usually cover pavements.

"Tamworth Borough Council grits high risk footpaths in areas such as the Castle Grounds, however other pavements are not covered. Some gritting is undertaken on high footfall areas around pay and display machines in borough council-owned car parks, however the customers must tread carefully in the same way that they would on a public pavement in severe weather. Ultimately the risk of parking is with the owner of the vehicle."