A FIRM of dental practices is to become a collection point for Black Country Foodbank after an “overwhelming” response to its Christmas appeal.

Anne Perry, who is based at Bhandal Dental Practice, Stourbridge, and manages all 14 of the Bhandal firm’s surgeries across the Black Country and Birmingham, put out a call for donations for the foodbank for Christmas and was shocked at the response she received.

She said: “I could see the poverty and hardship in our local area so we decided instead of sending Christmas cards and gifts this year we would send smiles.

“I asked our staff and if they could donate an item to Black Country Foodbank and the response was overwhelming. We had donations from so many people, staff, friends, family and patients.”

And she added: “Our response has been so big that we have decided to be a collection point for Foodbank all year round as hardship isn't just at Christmas time.”