The unsung heroes keeping the West running on Christmas Day

Volunteers at Caring in Bristol will spend their Christmas providing lunch to people experiencing homelessness

For most of us, Christmas morning consists of lounging around in patterned pyjamas, wondering how early is too early to open the fizz.

But Santa isn't the only one setting an early alarm this Christmas, as thousands of people across the country wake up to a normal working day on 25 December.

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2018, it is estimated that about 1.1 million people in the UK work on Christmas Day.

Often unnoticed, rarely recognised, but entirely essential, here are just some of those unsung heroes who keep the country running.

Abby Carter, volunteer for the 'Caring at Christmas' project in Bristol

Organising Christmas dinner for the family is a notorious feat, so imagine trying to cook a roast with all the trimmings for more than 700 people.

That's exactly what the team at Caring in Bristol did last year, and have done for the past 33 years.

With help from more than 500 volunteers, people experiencing homelessness are provided with a warm and welcoming space to enjoy lunch, play board games and watch films, just some of the ordinary activities that most of us take for granted at Christmas.

This year Ms Carter will be spending her eighth Christmas volunteering for the homelessness charity

"A lot of people that rough sleep don't get treated as humans by the general public," said volunteer Abby Carter.

"I think it's really important to just have that humanity and give them that experience of just knowing they are more than they're often being made to feel," she continued.

"I think I'm really privileged to be in a position where I help somebody in a small way along their path. The impact we're making is really valuable," Ms Carter added.

Neil Williamson, Constable with Gloucestershire Police

Working on the force for more than four years, PC Neil Williamson says he has rarely seen a Christmas holiday.

"Crime doesn't stop for Christmas, and it can destroy families when they become victims during the holidays," he said.

Mr Williamson said alcohol-related incidents and burglaries tend to increase during the Christmas period

"It must he hard on my family to watch me leave, sometimes with the worry that I won't return.

"But being able to help others in their time of need is the most rewarding part of working Christmas Day," Mr Williamson continued.

"I have a young son who doesn't quite understand why I'm not there on Christmas Day. But I hope one day he comes to appreciate what I do and why I do it," he added.

Euan Booth, Senior Nurse at Southmead Hospital, Bristol

As we scrub up for festive drinks, an estimated 112,000 doctors and nurses will be donning their scrubs for a shift.

Euan Booth will be working 12 hours on Christmas Day in charge of his department at Southmead Hospital, starting at 06:45 GMT.

"Obviously I would rather be at home with my family - but so would everyone," Mr Booth said.

"But then being at work is the next best thing, with my second family! Generally it's like any other working day, only with added tinsel," he said.

Mr Booth will be responsible for all the nurses on the Christmas Day shift

"Hopefully there will be some time for some Christmas cheer in the department, but it might get busy.

"I'll save the celebrations for when I see my family beforehand," Mr Booth added.

Craig Wilkins, Critical Care Specialist with Wiltshire Air Ambulance

Air ambulance crews are also among those who will be on call on 25 December, helping those who need it most.

"I don't mind taking that day on because I know it means a lot to people with young families," Mr Wilkins said.

Mr Wilkins will be working a 10 hour shift on Christmas Day

"Our job reminds us of the fact that having time together any time of the year is really important and special. So I try and hold onto that," he continued.

"From everyone at Wiltshire Ambulance, Merry Christmas. Hopefully, we never get to see you. But if you need us, we are there," Mr Wilkins added.

Amy Perrin, founder of Marmalade Trust in the West

When volunteering for a project in 2013, Amy Perrin met three elderly people spending Christmas Day alone.

Feeling the impact of their isolation, she took them out for dinner herself, and quickly three members became 18.

After Christmas, with a doormat piled high with thank you cards, Ms Perrin realised the importance of what she had created and Marmalade Trust charity was born.

With more than 150 volunteers and staff scheduled to work on 25 December, 130 lonely residents across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will receive the gift of companionship this Christmas.

Ms Perrin described the charity as a "little family"

The charity offer doorstep visits, community lunches and festive hampers, which for some are the only gift they will receive.

"It's heart-warming to see their faces as they enjoy the company of others, and we've shed tears as people have opened their hampers," Ms Perrin said.

"It's incredibly rewarding and makes all the hard work worthwhile," she added.

For their compassionate work, Marmalade Trust recently received the prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service.

John Quiddington, Senior Carer with Bristol Care Homes

With elderly residents requiring 24/7 care, Mr Quiddington has clocked in for a Christmas shift at Quarry House care home for the past eight years running.

He said he works hard to make the residents feel "homey", and loves dressing up as Santa to see the magic it brings.

Mr Quiddington has been a care worker almost 22 years

"All people like to be at home on Christmas but sometimes, like in the case of some of our residents, this is not possible," Mr Quiddington said.

"Some residents will miss their families, so we do everything we can to bring them joy and make Quarry House feel like just another home away from home," he said.

"Seeing the smile of our residents on their faces is the best part of Christmas for me," he added.