A TEENAGER alienated for having braces is now all smiles and celebrating the help and care he received from his orthodontist by writing a story about him.

Archie Kidd, from Darlington, was given the confidence to smile again thanks to the work of Dr Jonathan Hunter, as a 12-year-old.

Archie was growing up with a gap in his smile after one his front teeth faith failed to come through – and although the braces caused discomfort, he was given an excuse to avoid broccoli that may become stuck.

Now 14 and brace free, the youngster wanted to thank Dr Hunter and has earned himself a special commendation in the British Orthodontic Society’s Against the Odds for writing a story about his experience.

Archie said: “At each appointment they took photographs of my progress, giving me relief that there was a valid reason I couldn’t eat broccoli.

“This was a journey that was well worth the wait and now at the destination, I would recommend it to anyone.”