RESIDENTS in North Tawton are celebrating the return of NHS dental services to the town.

The Taw Valley Practice is holding an official opening to thank local institutions for their support in making the public aware of the town's new practice.

The practice has already received more than 2,000 enquiries from patients and still has spaces available

Health officials are expected to join with representatives from the local community and businesses to celebrate the occasion.

The town's previous dental surgery closed to NHS patients at the end of December 2008 when former dentist Peter Thompson retired.

Devon PCT's lead for dentistry Andrew Harris, said: 'We are delighted there has been such a short turnaround since the town's former dentist retired.

'Historically, people in North Tawton have always had access to local dental services and the PCT has worked closely with Mr Abdoll to ensure this continues in the future.

'Mr Abdoll's enthusiasm has been such that he temporarily ran dental services from nearby Okehampton Community Hospital before the new surgery's premises on Fore Street, North Tawton, became available for use.'

Mr Harris expressed thanks to Chumleigh Dental Practice and Albany House in Okehampton for providing cover for patients in North Tawton prior to the opening of the new practice at Taw Valley.

'The community of North Tawton, including local schools, pharmacies, post office, banks and estate agents, have rallied together to help patients register an interest in the practice from an early stage.'

The official opening will take place at the practice on Friday, May 29 between 1pm and 2pm.

Anyone in the North Tawton area who wishes to sign up for an NHS dentist can phone Devon Primary Care Trust's (PCT) new dental helpline on 0845 002 0034 or email devondentalhelpline@

nhs.net

Patients who require urgent care outside of normal working hours can phone 01392 823 682.