EMERGENCY services are preparing for a busy weekend, with an influx of holidaymakers expected to flock to the coast to enjoy the last days of the summer holidays.

A combination of a beautiful weather forecast and an increase in people taking UK holidays has prompted Dorset Police, the council and the fire service to urge both residents and visitors to 'look out for themselves and each other' over the bank holiday.

Roads are expected to be busy and motorists are encouraged to be prepared with water and food as queues coming into and leaving the county might be long.

Health workers are urging people who need urgent medical care to call the NHS 111 number instead of going straight to hospital for fear that hospitals will be overwhelmed.

Dorset Police’s summer policing gold commander Chief Superintendent Mark Callaghan said: "To date this summer has been very busy and we are continuing to work closely with our partner agencies to help keep people safe.

"Over the coming weeks we have some key events taking place and I am reminding people to make sure they look out for themselves and each other.

"Representatives from Dorset Police, BCP Council and Dorset Council, as well as the RNLI and fire service are all out there along our beaches and in our communities and can be approached by anyone who needs help or is worried about someone else.

"Our force, as well as other emergency service colleagues, have already experienced high levels of demand this year with more people choosing to enjoy staycations in Dorset."

People are also urged to avoid using disposable barbecues, lighting fireworks or having campfires in areas of heathland following the devastation caused in last year's Wareham Forest fire, where 220 hectares of heathland was destroyed in a blaze believed to have been started by a disposable barbecue.

Dave Graham, group manager at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Wildfires can ravage the local wildlife, destroying ecosystems in a matter of hours that have taken years to build up.

"It's important that we all work together to care for and protect our countryside and avoid devastating fires, such as the one at Wareham Forest last year.

"We would encourage all visitors to respect, protect and enjoy our heathlands and never light fires or have barbecues."

Coastguards are warning people to take care at the coast or risk 'tragic consequences'.

Coastal visitors should check check tide times and weather conditions, remember the sea has currents, hidden depths and rip currents that can’t easily be seen.

It’s best to leave inflatables at home and make sure you have fully charged phones or other means of contact.