There were bright smiles when staff from a dentist's presented a large cheque to The Stroke Association.

Improve Your Smile Dental Practice in Woodford Green presented a cheque for £1,250 on August 20.

The practice raised the money at its annual coffee and cake morning in May.

The aim of the event was to raise awareness of strokes and the link between heart disease and stroke and oral health.

Dr Amjad Malik, lead clinician at the practice, said: “Gum disease and oral inflammation have been identified as risk factors for many health diseases including stroke and heart disease – another reason to look after your teeth and oral health!”

Charlotte Lee, regional fundraiser for the Stroke Association, said: “We are dedicated to rebuilding lives after Stroke, so our thanks go to Improve Your Smile for helping us to do this and everyone who very kindly contributed.”