EAST Lancashire's teenagers have brighter smiles, thanks to a team effort to improve their teeth.

And the smiles should be getting even wider if a pilot scheme to give five-year-olds toothbrushes shows results.

East Lancashire's 14-year-olds were at the bottom of a national league table five years ago when it was revealed they had an average 3.5 missing, decayed or filled teeth.

But since then they have climbed four places to 95th out of 99 regions, with about 2.5 problem teeth each.

The East Lancashire Health Authority, NHS Trusts, councils and schools have all worked to educate children and parents and encourage healthy habits.

Dr Gary Whittle, East Lancashire Health Authority dental health consultant, said: "This is an impressive 30 per cent reduction.

"Nevertheless, the level of tooth decay in East Lancashire is still too high and we need to continue to fight against this preventable disease."

Schools in deprived areas of Blackburn and Darwen, where there are high levels of tooth decay, will be targeted in the pilot project to give 250 five-year-olds free toothbrushes and toothpaste every three months.

They will be taught to use them and their mouths will be examined at the start and end of the year. If the pilot is a success, it will be extended to other schools and age groups.