RECORD-BREAKING mountaineer Alan Hinkes faced yet another challenge yesterday when he opened a dental practice.

After conquering the world's 14 highest peaks, Alan arrived in Guisborough to cut the ribbon at The Dental Care Group.

The group, which will provide places for 1,500 additional NHS patients, already has practices in Eaglescliffe and Middlesbrough.

Based in the former dental surgery of Peter Gale, who has retired after 44 years, the property has been extensively extended and modernised by local dentists Ian Gordon and Ben Wild.

Mr Gordon, who has been a dentist for 21 years, and Mr Wild, who graduated in 1996, were previously partners in the Roseberry Dental Practice, Guisborough.

Their existing patients will transfer to the new practice, which will also treat Mr Gale's former patients.

The pair will be joined in Guisborough by fellow dentists Saija Hazelton-Swales and Katie Davis.

Delighted at the new venture, Mr Gordon said: "The opening of The Dental Centre Guisborough secures the provision of NHS dental care for our existing patients, Peter Gale's previous patients and, more importantly, up to 1,500 new NHS patients.

"Patients in many areas of the country are still experiencing difficulty accessing NHS dental care, but we have all worked very hard to secure NHS funding and are proud of the facilities we can offer."