Ely s Chequer Lane dental surgery congratulated the 20,000th patient who joined its books since the practice opened in 2001. Mr Vukile Mlambo was presented with a certificate and a bottle of champagne on Thursday to mark the milestone. The practice now b

Ely's Chequer Lane dental surgery congratulated the 20,000th patient who joined its books since the practice opened in 2001.

Mr Vukile Mlambo was presented with a certificate and a bottle of champagne on Thursday to mark the milestone. The practice now boasts six state-of-the-art surgeries, intra-oral cameras and digital radiography throughout. It has eight dentists and 16 support staff.

Principal dentist Dr Lau Berraondo said: "I think it's an amazing achievement for a practice which only opened six years ago and is down to the hard work of all the staff.

"Although we've broken through 20,000 we are keen for anyone looking for a dentist, and want excellence in treatment and customer service, to contact us as soon as possible while we're still able to help."

n Vukile Mlambo, middle, with principal dentist Dr Lau Berraondo and Mona Elmasry,a nusrse at the surgery.

Photo: HELEN DRAKE 3515