Dentist William Biddle has had his fill of incisors, canines and molars and hung up his drill after 35 years.

Mr Biddle, who had been a partner at the surgery at 7 Shrubbery Avenue, in Worcester, for the past 30 years, decided to cap his career at Christmas when he reached 60 - the retirement age for NHS dentists.

Mr Biddle, was born and bred in the city and had been a patient at the practice when it was run by Geoff Clarke. After qualifying in 1970, he was asked to become part of the Shrubbery Avenue team.

He stayed for a couple of years before returning to Edinburgh, where he had trained, and then doing spells in Somerset and Devon.

"Then in 1975 Geoff Clarke wanted a partner so I came back. I have thoroughly enjoyed my work. It has just been right for me. I could not imagine doing anything else," he said.

He added that when he retired he still saw some of the patients who went to him in 1970 - and they had their own teeth.

"I shall miss the contact with patients and the staff. I have always enjoyed that."

The Biddle, Howcroft and Clarke practice has now recruited a new member of staff. Kate Pugh, 33, was also born and bred in Worcester and took up her new post in the new year.

She qualified eight years ago and worked in Ledbury before moving to Worcester and practising at another surgery for six years.

"I am very happy and excited about working here.

"I have enjoyed my first three weeks.

"I am happy about stepping into someone's shoes who has been here for such a long time."