A DENTIST from Bourton is set to sparkle this month as he helps care for athletes' teeth at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Dr Ian Speechley, from Riverside Dental Practice, was selected from a pool of talented individuals after applying to the Commonwealth Games' Volunteer Programme and impressing officials in the subsequent interview process.

FromJuly 23, Dr Speechley will be based at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre as part of the 'Field of play medical team'.

He will responsible for providing emergency dental treatment for athletes involved in combat sports, such as judo, boxing and wrestling, as well as gymnastics and netball.

Dr Speechley, principal dentist at the High Street practice, said: "I'm really thankful to have been selected to be part of the Commonwealth Games this year.

"It's such a great opportunity to combine my day job with the sports I love, and I'm proud to be a part of something that will leave a lasting legacy in Glasgow.

"All the people volunteering at the Games are known as 'Clyde-siders'. So far I've really enjoyed being a part of this group, and have met many other like-minded members who I can't wait to work with in July."

It is not the first time the dentist has volunteered for international sporting events.

As previously reported in The Journal, he volunteered as an official dentist at the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Paralympics.

"In terms of sport, I'm especially looking forward to the boxing events, where I hope we'll see further British success following on from that achieved at the London Olympics," he added.

Dr Speechley, who has a passion for sport, has also attended many courses in Sports Dentistry at the Eastman Hospital London.