AS a medieval battle re-enactor, Leslie Mason is used to sharp instruments - but those at his dental surgery send him running to the hills.

Despite suffering gum disease and needing teeth removed, the prospect of more pain in the dentist's chair was too much.

But now Mr Mason, 54, of John Kent Avenue, Shrub End, Colchester, has found the perfect solution - hypnosis, with practitioner John Ridlington, ahead of his appointment with dentist Dr Bhavin Bhatt.

He said: "I've had a lot of bad experiences in dentists' chairs, and when I met John we discussed the idea of using hypnosis.

"The prospect of someone drilling and pulling teeth without anaesthetic is daunting, but I totally trust this dentist."

Using his hobby of battle re-enactment as part of the hypnosis has helped him to have two teeth removed, some roots taken out, and three fillings.

"I didn't feel a thing during any of the treatment and I would really suggest people think about hypnosis if they don't like needles."said Mr Mason.

Dr Bhatt, whose dental surgery is based at Bishop's Stortford, said hypnotism was seen as the way forward for nervous patients and people looking for alternative treatments.