A DENTIST will be praised by a Health Minister for filling a gap in Rossendale and setting up his practice in the town.

Hazel Blears will visit Dr Shane Morgan's practice on Monday. He opened his surgery a year ago and signed up nearly 7,000 people in his first two weeks. Previously there were no dentists in Rossendale accepting new patients and it was impossible to get on a list, leaving thousands without proper dental care.

Local MP Janet Anderson raised the problem in Parliament in November 2001. She said: "We are immensely grateful to Dr Morgan for displaying this commitment to the people of Rossendale. I am delighted that the minister will be able to see for herself the excellent service he provides."