GOING to the dentist should become much more pleasant for patients in Bolton thanks to a half a million pound grant.

NHS surgeries in the town will be able to bid for a slice of the £508,556 available locally to refurbish their buildings or buy new equipment.

The money is part of a £35 million Dentistry Modernisation Fund announced by the Government today to ensure patients receive high quality treatment in pleasant surroundings.

Cash could also be spent on play areas for children, improving access for the disabled or installing new computer systems.

A spokesman for Wigan and Bolton Health Authority said he was delighted with the allocation.

He added: "It is good news for patients in the area and will give dentists the opportunity to further improve their existing modern surgeries."

Health Minister Lord Philip Hunt said the strategy would benefit dental teams and the people who use them.

He said: "Patients rightly expect to have high quality dental care in bright, modern surroundings delivered by well trained staff using up-to-date equipment."

Surgeries will have to bid for money from the fund and will be able to collect up to £6,500 each. The distribution arrangements, agreed with the British Dental Association, ensure that the process will favour practices committed to treating NHS patients.

Proposals for developments will be put to the health authority and the practices will have to show they can make a contribution to the plans and agree to maintain their existing NHS commitment at current levels.