IT was all smiles yesterday when an school was presented with a Healthy Teeth Award.

Wingate Nursery is the first school in the county to have won the certificate from County Durham Primary Care Trust. (PCT).

The aim of the award is to raise awareness of good oral health in the area of Easington, which had earlier been identified as an area of poor dental health.

Nursery management, staff, parents and children at Wingate have worked hard for months to secure the award.

The official recognition is part of a national programme aimed at foundation stage children in nurseries.

The Healthy Teeth Award is funded by the PCT's dental service and has been developed in partnership with its food and health team.

Sandra Law, project leader for the award, said: "The aim of this award is to make parents, children and nursery staff more aware of the close link to both healthy eating and good dental health."

She added: "It is also recognised that regular, thorough tooth-brushing, with the support of an adult carer, is very important, in particular for children of nursery age until they reach seven years.

"Together, these two good practices will improve both general and oral health."

Michelle Panchen health specialist with the PCT, said: "The nursery has developed strong links to healthy eating and dental health, which is a foundation parents and children can build upon for many years."