More than 1,250 people have joined the Yeovil Express' campaign to improve access to NHS dentistry.

The campaign, run by the Express and its sister paper, the Chard and Ilminster News, was launched after it was revealed that no dentists in the Yeovil constituency were taking on new NHS patients.

Many residents in the area have to make lengthy journeys to visit dentists outside the constituency or go without.

In the long-term it is hoped it will become easier for dentists to set up in the area but in the short-term the papers are campaigning for emergency aid to boost the capacity of existing practices.

Editor-in-chief Ken Bird said: "There is a very real problem about NHS dentistry provision in the area.

"I am delighted that so many people have bothered to put pen to paper and sign the petition - but we would still like many more to do so."

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