AS THE fuel crisis continues, we asked our readers whether key workers should be given priority for fuel at our petrol stations.

Yesterday a Northumberland service that transports cancer patients to and from the hospital has asked people to think before they panic buy fuel.

Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care is warning that they could be in 'serious trouble' if the fuel crisis carries on into the weekend.

Dave Harrison, communications director is pleading to people panicking at the pumps to think before they fill up their tanks.

He said: "If people are filling up jerry cans and 4x4's filled with petrol, please think of other people who are in desperate need of that vital service."

Linda Bell thinks that key workers should be given priority, she said: "Yes absolutely and ration the rest of us so there's enough to go round."

Key worker Jo Mason said: "As a key worker, yes. I'm already making contingency plans, but as easy as it is to walk to work i'd prefer not to have to walk alone at 4:30 in the morning."

Hannah Cameron argued that key workers should be given priority but asked how it would be monitored, she said: "Depends on who you class as a key worker. Many years ago key workers were given priority during a fuel shortage. However, the definition of a key worker was a lot more specific rather than it is now."

Angela Coady said: "I'm a carer. I hear Hexham is bad but i'm in Kilmarnock and it's absolutely fine. Key workers should absolutely get petrol first in my view."

Many key workers across the UK are facing long queues or empty pumps at stations, Michelle Parkinson said: "Absolutely yes I’m a key worker and running very low on fuel and every time I try to get fuel there’s none left. There will be people complaining when we can’t get to work and the pharmacy has to close due to no staff and patients can’t get their medication!"

Iain Davidson warned that people just need to stop panicking, he said: "Very difficult to quantify who is a key worker and how do you control at service stations?

"Much better for the idiots who constantly panic at the drop of a hat to get a grip on their lives and stop causing panic buying. There is absolutely no need for this stupidity.

"The Government need to get a grip and actually do something useful."