THREE new NHS dentists have been appointed for the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley area - thanks to a £250,000 Government cash boost to ease the dentist shortage.

It means up to 6,000 residents will be able to continue receiving NHS dental care.

And cash is also being spent on employing a dental nurse and reception staff, as well as improving surgeries.

Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust (PCT) becomes responsible for local dental services from April 2005.

It hopes the new dentists will be in-post by October of this year, in Accrington and other locations.

A total of £350,000 is earmarked for the project, of which £250,000 comes from the Government and £100,000 from the trust.

Dr Gary Whittle, consultant in dental health for East Lancashire Public Health Network, and Derek Cummins, the PCT's associate director of modernisation, submitted the funding bid.

Dr Whittle said: "The trust is one of three East Lancashire PCTs working together to develop NHS dental provision.

"We have established a dental modernisation board which has been working on an action plan to resolve problems highlighted by patients and dentists.

"Hyndburn and Ribble Valley patients can be reassured we have listened to their concerns and are responding.

"This funding is just one part the jigsaw to ensure NHS dentistry flourishes."

The PCT will shortly receive an extra £133, 000 from the Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority, as part of a nationwide initiative to help improve NHS dental services.