A WEST Devon dental surgery is taking part in a national campaign by the British Dental Health Foundation.

As part of Mouth Cancer Action Month, Chagford Dental Practice is holding an open morning on Wednesday November 16 where any member of the public can drop in to the surgery for a free oral health screening. The oral cancer screening will be free of charge and is open to everyone, regardless of whether they are a patient at the practice or not.

The BDHF estimates that over the next decade around 60,000 people in the UK will be diagnosed with mouth cancer. Without early detection an estimated 30,000 will die.

Chief executive of the BDHF, Dr Nigel Carter, said: 'Raising awareness during Mouth Cancer Action Month, combined with free screenings, could help the early diagnosis of hundreds of mouth cancers across the UK and save many lives.

'We hope as many health professionals as possible will support this year's campaign.'

For more information call the practice on 01647 432224. Alternatively, you can just call in throughout the open morning, which runs from 9am to 1.30pm.