Energetic youngsters have been urged to be careful on trampolines and not bounce their way to A&E after a surge of injuries.

A rise in the number of people with trampolines in their gardens has resulted in a spike in the number of people being admitted to Epsom and St Helier hospitals.

Bouncing-related injuries include fractures, dislocations, sprains and bruises.

Dr Ruth Charlton, a consultant paediatrician and joint medical director for the hospitals, said: "We don’t want to be killjoys over the summer break, but we do want people to be careful.

"I have a young daughter who loves trampolining, but I always encourage her to use the trampoline responsibly, and I make sure she jumps alone, not with her friends together. 

"So many injuries are caused through multi-person jumping. 

"To keep trampolining a light-hearted past-time, especially over the summer months, we do stress its important parents supervise and ensures the ‘only one at a time’ rule. 

"It is a myth to think large trampolines mean more than one child can jump at any one time."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recommends people buy trampolines with safety pads fitted to the hard edges of the frame, while children under six-years-old should only use ones suitable for their age.

Other advice includes buying a model with a safety net, do not try to do somersaults, and never jump off the trampoline.

Have you ever been injured on a trampoline? Do you have more advice? Leave a comment below or email Mike Pyle.