Patient safety cannot be guaranteed during today's strike by ambulance workers, health leaders have warned.

But NHS England says emergency care will continue to be provided.

People are being asked to only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

Members of the GMB (6am to midnight) and Unison (noon to midnight) unions at the South Western Ambulance Service, which covers Cornwall, are due to join the action.

Ministers have urged the public to take extra care and suggested people avoid contact sports and unnecessary car journeys.

Unions say life-threatening callouts will continue to be answered.

Patients who are seriously ill or injured, or whose lives are in danger, are being advised by the NHS to call 999.

For all other health care needs, the NHS is advising people to contact NHS 111 online or via the NHS 111 helpline, or to contact their local GP or pharmacy.