INSTEAD of tucking into turkey on Christmas Day, what if you were taking an emergency phone call to say someone had been attacked with a glass, stabbed or worse?

That is the job of 999 call handlers at Cheshire Police, and while bloody assaults on December 25 are rare, the chance of dealing with a distressed caller remains very real.

Sara Hassall, a call handler with seven years experience, will work Christmas Day and deal with 999 calls in Warrington.

She said: "It's all about drawing on your experience when you're handling calls where someone is frightened or upset.

"I could have had a call where someone is quite irate, where you need to be stern to get the information.

"The next call someone might be crying there eyes out, so you need to be sympathetic and empathetic, but still trying to get as much information on what's happened, and where.

"Sometimes you need to let them answer 'yes' or 'no', and make sure they are away from any dangerous person, and they are safe."

Sara has drawn something of short straw this year, as shift patterns mean she will also work Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

But while New Year celebrations means an inevitable surge in calls surrounding fights and anti-social behaviour, 999 reports on Christmas Day can be a bit more light hearted.

"The one that always sticks in my mind, was when I was working Christmas Day and we got a 999 call from someone asking if there were any nail bars open anywhere, with it being a holiday," added Sara.

"They had broken a nail and wanted to get it repaired.

"As much as you want to tell them it's a ridiculous call, you have to stay calm and say it's not an emergency, or a police matter, and perhaps take a look at the Yellow Pages."