A Northallerton dental surgery has announced it will be withdrawing its NHS treatment for children.

Private surgery DS Wilson has issued a letter to patients saying the free treatment for children will end in April.

One parent with two young children criticised the decision, saying he feared it would have a negative impact on his children's health.

"It's disgraceful to have to pay for children's dental care," said Crispin Cole from Northallerton. "Now so many practices have gone private, it's very difficult to find a dentist who is willing to take on new children for NHS treatment."

Check-ups for children under five will remain free at the High Street surgery, but examinations for children aged up to 17 will cost £20.

In a letter to the D&S Times, Mr Crispin said: "My children's health is of utmost importance to me, but I draw the line at having to pay for their treatment.

"As an adult who earns a wage, I don't mind paying for any kind of health care. But why should a child who is at school, who does not earn a wage, who relies on their parents for any support, have to pay for their health care?"

Northallerton is home to four other dental practices, of which three are private. All three confirmed they would continue to provide free dental care for the children of private patients registered with them, but could not accept children as individuals for NHS treatment.

Two of these surgeries were also unable to accept any more adult patients. The only remaining NHS surgery in the town, Malpas House, in South Parade, said it could not accept any more patient registrations for adults or children.

A spokesman for the DS Wilson was unavailable for comment at the time of going to print.