AN ELLESMERE Port dental practice has been raising money for the world-leading cleft lip and palate charity, Smile Train.

Sutton Dental Practice, a well-known clinic that has been based in Little Sutton for over 30 years, has been working hard to raise funds after learning about the charity through a TV advert. The practice was inspired by the incredible work Smile Train do all over the world by training doctors to perform cleft repair surgery, changing the lives of thousands of children for free.

Stacie Griffiths, treatment co-ordinator at Sutton Dental Practice, said: "Working within dentistry I knew the impact a cleft can have on the quality of someone's life, but also how simple the surgery can be. It was heart-breaking to see that a lot of families are unable to raise the funds, or have the access to cleft repair, which we can get so easily here in the UK."

The practice’s fundraising began with a raffle, with prizes such as free meals, gym passes, aesthetic vouchers and family days out all donated by local businesses who were keen to support the cause.

They also held a “guess the name of the teddy”, “guess how many sweets in the jar”, and a bake sale for the children visiting the dental practice during half term so that they too could get involved.

The team at the practice were keen to raise £300 as this would cover the surgeries for two children, but are delighted that they have raised £438 and donations are still rolling in, allowing three surgeries to take place to transform children’s smiles and lives.