LUDLOW's only National Health dental practice is to take on a third dentist and, once again, open its waiting lists for patients.

Stepping Stones, at New Road, opened its doors almost five years ago.

It is run by Dr Catherine Nelson, with her associate Dr Bob Stuart, who travels in daily from Rhayader.

Now, the firm is to take on a third practitioner.

Chrysoula Lachana, who hails from Greece, is due to start next month.

"At the moment I have about 3,000 patients," said Dr Nelson.

"There isn't a catchment area as such and I have patients coming from Craven Arms, Hereford and even across from Wales.

"I'm trying to cast my net as widely as possible and provide a high quality service for less money."

"There's a limit to how much you can do but, with a third dentist, we are able to open our lists tentatively and we should hope to be able to take on another 1,000 patients."

At present there is a shortage of NHS dentists in Britain and Dr Nelson had to advertise via the Internet to find someone.

Dr Nelson says she is happy to stay within the NHS but doesn't see herself as making some kind of political statement.

"NHS treatment can still cost a lot of money," she said.

"I'm just trying to provide access to treatment for as many people as I can realistically cope with."

To register for treatment at Stepping Stones, call 01584 877385.