STAFF at a dental practice on Burnley's Stoops estate is all smiles after it has been nominated for three national awards.

Staff at Ravat and Ray Dental Care, in Venice Avenue, have been shortlisted in the team of the year category in The Dental Awards 2014.

Boss Sharon Fletcher is in the running for practice manager of the year, while receptionist Pauline Garandia is up for dental receptionist of the year.

The practice opened in The Fold Centre for Integrated Health and Wellbeing in November 2011.

Mrs Fletcher, one of five staff, said she was ‘really pleased’ to be in the running for an award.

She said: “It seems almost everyone has something positive to say about Ravat and Ray Burnley.

“The professional dental team have helped many patients overcome fears and phobias which have prevented many from previously visiting the dentist.

“Patients find the dentist, Dr Mudasser Hussain, very professional and approachable. The rest of the team are very friendly and always happy to help.”

The awards ceremony will be held at the Lancaster London Hotel on Friday, June 6.

The practice has also won praise for its Smile4Life programme, which involves visits to schools and nurseries in the area.

Mrs Fletcher said: “Ravat and Ray is also proud to be the first dental practice in England to have a Smile4life champion.

“Our dental nurse Zoe Trayford goes out to local early learning settings and works alongside the nursery staff to educate young children on the importance of maintaining good oral health and a healthy, balanced diet.

“Their aim is to educate children at a young age so that they can get into the habit of maintaining good oral health as soon as possible.”

In July, staff from the practice are running the Pennine Lancashire 10K in aid of Pendleside Hospice.