NHS dental services have returned to a part of the region - where residents say they previously had to travelling 50 miles for treatment or do without.

The Alpha Dental Group has opened dental surgeries in Leyburn and Hawes, in North Yorkshire.

A local dentist will be treating patients from Monday to Thursday, in Leyburn, and on Fridays in Hawes.

Appointments are available immediately.

In addition to the new services in Hawes and Leyburn, Alpha is expanding NHS dental provision at surgeries in Northallerton, Catterick Garrison and Great Ayton.

The surgery in Northallerton opens on May 5, for patients to register.

Patients in Hawes say they have had to travel 50 miles to Catterick Garrison for dental care, since previous operator Primecare withdrew from its NHS contract last October.

NHS North Yorkshire and York says the arrangements are a temporary measure, with tenders being sought for a permanent arrangement, to begin in September.

Dr Ian Gordon, a partner in the Alpha Dental Group, said: "We are delighted to be able to assist with provision of dental care in the Upper Dales in addition to our existing long term commitments in Catterick, Northallerton and Great Ayton.

"Two of our partners, Ben Wild and David Birkin, will be providing treatment from Leyburn with support from Angela Smith and a small team of associates who will also be offering some Saturday sessions by arrangement."

Patients who do not have an NHS dentist and want to be added to the database should call 01904-724107.