PLYMOUTH'S dental school is giving away more than 600 books to encourage children in Devonport to look after their teeth.

The Peninsula Dental School has launched the 'Happy Reading: Healthy Smile' to encourage children aged between two and five years of age to visit the dentist.

The school's Dental Education Facility has contacted nearby primary schools, children's centres and nurseries. It will be distributing more than 600 books to encourage children to visit the dentist.

The books will be presented in bags containing leaflets on oral health and a voucher for a family oral health pack that can be redeemed at the Devonport Dental Education Facility.

Families visiting the facility at the school in Devonport can pick up free toothbrushes and toothpaste.

The books have been bought as the result of funding from the Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership (DRCP).

Wendy Smith, community development officer at the Peninsula Dental School, said: "We aim to encourage more people to read to their children, feel more positive about going to the dentist and help them to access the wide range of services available at our Devonport Dental Education Facility.

"We are grateful to DRCP for its support and the funding which has helped us to achieve this initiative."

The scheme is to be launched at the Green Ark Children's Centre in Devonport.

Manager Pat Smith said: "We're really pleased to have such strong links with the dental school and be the venue for this launch. It is just one of a variety of opportunities and services for children and their families in this area."