A visit from the Mayor of Bollington has revealed a dentist's surprise connection to the town's history.

Councillor Dickie Fletcher recently popped in to Bollington Dental Practice to meet the team and have a look around.

During his visit, he showed off the names engraved on his chain of office, with one in particular catching the eye of staff.

It turns out that the grandfather of practice manager Sarah Phillips, Frederick Gordon Thompson, previously held the position in the 1960s.

Sarah said: "I have always known my grandad was mayor, but it never occurred to me to mention it!

"Seeing his name on the chain, in the practice where I have worked since I was sixteen, was a lovely moment."

The engraving on the mayor's chain of office (Credit: Supplied)

Bollington Dental Practice opened in 1977, founded by David King.

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The business was later passed to Heather Belfield and is now owned by Ellie Burrows.

Sarah started at the practice back in 1987, but had never thought to mention her family history.

During councillor Fletcher's visit, she pointed out her grandfather's name, with the engraving reading 'Councillor F.G. Thompson JP, 1965-1967'.

At this time, the position was technically chairman of Bollington Urban District Council, rather than town mayor.

When she returned home, Sarah dug up a press cutting from her grandfather's year in office.

The photo shows he and councillor A. Rowbotham, chairman of Macclesfield Rural District Council, attending the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

A press cutting showing councillors Rowbotham and Thompson outside Buckingham Palace (Credit: Supplied)