The couple are planning to make the trip again in July

Brian and Dianne Davison, both 57, have joined two dentist waiting lists since moving from Northumberland to the Cornish village of Chilsworthy in 2003.

They have since made the 850-mile round trip to a practice near their old home in Corbridge at least twice a year.

North and East Cornwall PCT said the level of dental provision in the Chilsworthy area "was not too bad".

'Badly managed'

To fly to Newcastle, the couple first need to drive one hour to Exeter.

The couple last made the journey last month and plan to go again in July - unless an NHS place comes up in Cornwall.

"I have made inquiries and filled in forms but I have got no feedback.

"I am obviously on this list but nowhere near the top," said Mr Davison.

Mr Davison said although he was annoyed by the situation he did not blame dentists, adding that it had been "badly managed by the government".