LEWISHAM Primary Care Trust is launching a campaign to raise awareness of mouth cancer.

The PCT has teamed up with the British Dental Health Foundation to offer residents the opportunity to have free mouth cancer screening during Mouth Cancer Action week, from November 16 to 22.

According to the British Dental Health Foundation mouth cancer kills one person every five hours.

Chief executive of Lewisham PCT Gill Galliano said: "We are using the week to highlight the importance of visiting the dentist.

"There are plenty of NHS dental practices in Lewisham and four are offering free mouth cancer screening during the week."

Dental practices in Lewisham offering free screening include Lewisham Dental Practice, in Lee High Road, Lewisham, and Dental Care Centre, in New Cross Road, New Cross.

Family Dental Care, in Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill, and Splendent Care Ltd, Rushey Green, Catford, will also offer the screening.

To find out more about mouth cancer and Mouth Cancer Action Week, visit mouthcancer.org