A DENTAL practice manager from Penarth has been named the best in the UK

Kirsty White of Hickman House surgery on Hickman Road found out she received the award last week.

It comes just a few months after the staff received the best dental team award at the Welsh Dentistry Awards.

Ms White, the practice manager made the application to the awards as a "community" entry representing the team, dentists and patients.

The accolades follow two tragic events which hit the practice in a short space of time.

In December 2013, Charlotte Lloyd a principal dentist at the practice, was told that her partner had been diagnosed with cancer.

He died six months later and just three months after that, tragedy struck again as the other principal dentist at the practice, Mark Roach, was left paralysed following a motorcycle crash.

But despite these, Ms White, the team and their customers pulled together and got through those tough times.

Ms White said: "I am completely overwhelmed. It is a big achievement for the team and the practice.

"A manager can't manage without a good team. Without them I would not be able to do my job."

She also thanked the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board who she said have been "amazing" with the help and support they have given.

Ms White, who graduated from Gower College in Swansea last month also paid tribute to the support of the practice's customers who rallied round during the hard times.

She added: "Winning the these two awards have been a big boost to the team and their morale.

"It is also a big achievement for Charlotte and Mark who put their trust in me and trained me well."

Ms White will pick up her award at the British Dental Conference in May 2017.