Thousands of people struggling to register with an NHS dentist have been thrown a lifeline.

An NHS dental surgery with the eventual capacity to treat up to 10,000 patients opens in Worthing later this month.

Six dentists will be working at the practice in Liverpool Gardens and more than 2,000 patients have already been accepted on to its books.

Once it is well established staff say they will be able to take on thousands more.

The news comes just months after an investigation by The Argus in June revealed that 15 of the 18 NHS practices in Worthing had closed their books to NHS patients and suggested patients should try again in a couple of months.

Finding an NHS dentist has become increasingly difficult for people in the town. The new practice has been set up by Bruno Silva with the co-operation of the West Sussex Oral health Services Team.

Adur, Arun and Worthing Primary Care Trust (PCT) said the opening was an important development for Worthing and would significantly contribute to improving and maintaining the oral health of Worthing residents.

A task force set up by West Sussex County Council's health scrutiny select committee found that dentists were providing a patchy service.

The task force report said some parts of the county were more poorly served than others although there were more practices accepting NHS patients than expected.

The committee wants more improvements in access to NHS dentists in all areas but accepted this could be difficult because dentists are independent practitioners and the financial rewards of private practice are usually more than NHS salaries.

PCT deputy chief executive Bob Deans said: "We have been working very hard to increase the availability of NHS dental care and this is fantastic news for Worthing people.

"The new surgery provides a valuable service in the heart of Worthing."

The surgery will be officially opened by Worthing Borough mayor Nick John on October 18.