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A man called an ambulance claiming to be sick - so he could get a lift to hospital.

The 'patient' rang North West Ambulance Service last night claiming he had reduced sensation in his legs and his mobility was poor.

An ambulance was sent out and the man was taken to hospital - only to admit on arrival he had faked the whole thing to go and visit his friend.

North West Ambulance Service covers a large area, including Cheshire, with this incident understood to have taken place in Greater Manchester.

Shaun Gerrard, an EMT with North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said: "A patient rang for an ambulance last night as he had reduced sensation in his legs and mobility was poor.

"We took him to hospital for him to then get up and walk off on arrival.

"He admitted he faked the whole lot just to get a lift to hospital to see his friend."

Commenting on social media, a North West Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "This is what we’re dealing with day in, day out."