A BEAUTY salon is offering shoppers plastic surgery vouchers as Christmas gifts.

Cosmetic surgeon Alan Patterson came up with the idea after a client confessed she was struggling to come up with a novel present for her husband.

"She said she wanted to get something different for her husband, so I suggested smoothing out the wrinkles on his forehead," said Dr Patterson.

"She loved the idea and it has just gone on from there."

The Harley Street-trained doctor is offering a range of treatments, including Botox injections, collagen implants and weight loss, from his clinic at the Hair and Body Perfect beauty and tanning salon in John Street, Consett, County Durham.

Lorraine McLean, who opened the salon four years ago, said: "It is a bit unusual, but this is something that our clients seem to really go for."

Dr Patterson has been running a Thursday night clinic there for 18 months.

"The treatments I offer are becoming more popular all the time," he said.

"Originally it was thought to be only personalities who considered cosmetic beauty treatments, but now it is within the grasp of everyone.

"This year I am being approached by people who have been with their partners for so long they just cannot think of something different to buy them as a Christmas gift.

"They are booking up a course of treatment for their loved ones, not because they are unhappy with the way they look at present, but to give them a confidence boost and help their well-being."

Just in case the recipient is not too happy with the suggestion that they need to lose some wrinkles or a few pounds, the doctor is offering a full refund on vouchers that are not gratefully received.