Two-years on from Storm Desmond which flooded an Eden dental surgery, the practice has not only redesigned and reopened their doors, they are now expanding to provide more care for residents.

Husband and wife team, Richard and Barbara Govan, received a call while visiting family and friends in Scotland to say the Tufton Cottage Dental Practice in Chapel Street they had built up over 35 years in Appleby had been flooded.

They returned home and set about rebuilding the surgery, office and waiting room which reopened with new, modern facilities within months. Now, another couple are joining the team –William Crank and Rhianna Homer.

Like Richard and Barbara, William and Rhianna met while studying dentistry. William, from Huddersfield, has been working as a dentist in Sheffield, Rhianna’s home city for five years. Rhianna is returning to dentistry, taking over from Barbara as Practice Manager when she moves up to Appleby after working as a maternity nurse.

Richard explained: “William and Rhianna are following the path Barbara and I took – moving to Appleby to work together in this practice. As they join us in this family firm, we will be able to offer more family orientated dental services.

“We will continue to provide full NHS dental services to under 18s, with more appointments available with a new dentist and nurse joining the team.

“We will have more time to provide guidance on prevention of dental problems, and Sam Shepherd will continue to provide hygienist services.

“After 35 years Barbara and I are looking to reduce our hours, and over the next three months I will be start to work two days per week.”

William and Rhianna will be relocating to Appleby early in the new year.

William said: “We have always love this part of the country, and it was during a visit to an old student friend I hadn’t seen for five years I heard about the opportunity to work with Richard and Barbara."

Barbara added: “There will be a period of transition, where there will be some changes, notably patients currently seeing Richard may be seeing William instead. However, I am sure our patients, like Richard and I are delighted to welcome William and Rhianna, continuing the family practice.