Decorating a Christmas tree, enjoying a glass of mulled wine or just bargain hunting could end with a trip to A&E according to Sussex health bosses.

New figures show that seasonal activities have led to scores ending up in hospital with painful and sometimes serious injuries.

Collecting traditional boughs of holly, decorating the tree and putting up the tinsel, led to dozens of ladder-related injuries.

In a 12 month period 35 people in Brighton and Hove, 86 in West Sussex, and 89 in East Sussex were admitted to hospital after falling from a ladder.

And holly can be more dangerous than people might think with more than 20 patients across the county treated for contact with plant thorns and spines and sharp leaves, A glass of mulled wine is a common festive treat but 15 people in Brighton and Hove, 40 in East Sussex and 33 in West Sussex were treated for burns caused by hot drinks.

Going out to pick up a bargain in the Boxing Day sales is always popular but health experts are warning people to take care after ten people in the county were treated for injuries caused by being crushed in a crowd.

A white Christmas also has its dangers, according to current figures 130 people treated for falling in the ice and snow.

That figure will rise sharply next year following the recent bad weather to hit Sussex, which led to hundreds of people being treated at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, Worthing Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

The latest statistics also reveal 37 people from Brighton and Hove were taken to hospital for injuries caused by falls involving ice skates, skis, roller skates or skateboards, with 89 affected in West Sussex and 58 in East Sussex.

An NHS Information Centre spokesman said: “Before pulling those crackers and tucking into the turkey, it's clear people need to take extra care.

“We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas and New Year but we would urge them to be aware of the possible dangers that might come from the most innocuous little thing.”