MORE dentists are expected to settle in East Lancashire thanks to a £1.5 million NHS cash boost, health chiefs said today.

The cash would allow dental students to train in the region for the first time, they said, making it more likely they will settle in East Lancashire.

Dental students from the University of Liverpool, one of 13 UK dental schools, are to spend part of their training in the region at "dental education centres".

Cumbria and Lancashire NHS Strategic Health Authority is to invest £1.5 million towards setting up the centres by 2008 in Blackpool, Carlisle, Lancaster and East Lancashire.

The centres will take 32 students between them and, although the East Lancashire venue has not been announced, it is likely to be a refurbishment of existing facilities.

Chief executive of the SHA, Pearse Butler, said: "We know that where students train has a significant impact on where they eventually decide to settle. I am delighted with the decision because it can be difficult to recruit to this area."

Many East Lancashire patients have found it difficult to be accepted by dental practices because these are treating the maximum number of NHS patients agreed with health authorities.

The announcement came as part of £30 million package to be spend in the two counties.

A further £5.5 million will go towards the major new extension at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn.

The authority also confirmed £14.2 million funding for a new medium secure unit at Calderstones mental hospital in Whalley and £15 million to improve mental health services in Lancashire.