It is hoped up to 6,000 new patients could now be seen

Scarborough's shortage of NHS dentists means some people are having to take up to a 150 mile round trip to Leeds or Middlesbrough for a simple check-up or filling.

But the town could be in line for a share of the Government's �10m investment to tackle the growing national problem.

Grants are to be given to local primary care trusts where access to NHS dental care is most difficult.

The town's MP Lawrie Quinn is meeting the chairman of the British Dental Association, Dr John Renshaw, to come up with a bid for money to attract two new dentists to the town.

Dr Renshaw, who works in Scarborough, told BBC North Yorkshire: "We are seeing something like 1,200 patients in our practice alone looking for simple NHS registration and we cannot take any of them."

Cash incentive

He estimates that two new dentists would be able to take on 5,000 to 6,000 NHS patients in the area.

Health ministers have already highlighted Scarborough as one of the worst affected areas in the country.

The cash will be used to offer dentists an incentive to come and practise in the town.

Dr Renshaw added: "It (the town) is beginning to look run down and unattractive and I think you have to rebuild confidence in the area."

"I don't like the idea of offering a 'sweetener' because the deal when they come in as NHS practitioners should be good enough.

"But if we can't compete we won't get anyone in."