While the rest of us will be eating and drinking too much for our own good on Christmas Day, spare a thought for those keeping our hospitals and emergency services going.

Not everyone gets to put their feet up and binge-watch Christmas specials on TV.

This includes many people in Dorset, and we spoke to two people who will be helping to keep things ticking over this Christmas Day.

Paul Lawler is one of the many firefighters across the country who will be ensuring that everyone is kept safe this Christmas.

Now stationed at Westbourne Fire Station, Paul has been a firefighter for 21 years and has worked on Christmas Day numerous times.

He will be doing what's known as the 'base shift', working from 8am-6pm.

Paul said: "I really enjoy spending Christmas Day with the people I work with - we're a close knit team.

"There is usually nothing drastic to attend to on the day, it's mainly people burning their food."

Eight people are typically on the Christmas Day watch at the fire station, celebrating Christmas while keeping the public safe.

Paul will be having his Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve to ensure he doesn't miss out on the staple meal and all the trimmings.

However, managers of the watch will cook Christmas dinner either before or after Christmas for the team.

Paul added: "Working on Christmas Day is really important for teamwork and bonding, as well as looking after each other."

The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service want everyone to have a safe and Merry Christmas.

They're urging people to be mindful of lit candles, especially near curtains and remind people to not leave cooking unattended.

Nurse of twenty years Rachel Monger is working in Bournemouth Hospital on Christmas Day.

Working in ward 15 of the hospital, Rachel's shift begins at 1.15pm and finishes at 9:15pm.

The Ward Sister arranges the Christmas rota to ensure people can work the best possible times, with staff alternating each year between working on Christmas Day and New Year's.

Rachel said: "There is a nice spirit in the hospital and we try to create a positive environment for the patients.

"The Salvation Army also come in to visit patients on the day to provide them with some company."

On Christmas Day, there can be 11-12 members of staff in the ward or the full 26.

Rachel emphasised the importance of making Christmas a special time for all in the hospital: "Some patients have no visitors on Christmas Day so we ensure that patients are catered for and have personal attention from us."

She added: "Some prefer to be in hospital on Christmas Day rather than spend it alone at home. We try and create a positive, Christmas environment."

Rachel will be spending Christmas morning with her husband and children before she heads off to help others.

Merry Christmas and thank you to all of you who will be working this festive season.