A doctor has defended his decision to administer Botox injections to a teenager who was given the cosmetic treatment by her mother for her 18th birthday.

Dr Mazhar Mahmood said Jodie King, who is now nearly 20, had already had anti-wrinkle jabs by the time she went to his clinic in March this year.

He said he believed that as she would continue to have Botox anyway, it would be better for her to be treated by an experienced doctor.

Jodie and her mother Margaret King first went to the private Anti-Ageing Clinic in South Woodford, north-east London, on March 3, to deal with "wrinkles".

Dr Mahmood said: "The daughter had previously had treatment at another clinic on two or three occasions.

"She was unhappy with the results and came to me on a recommendation.

"There is no age limit per se - it's based on the individual needs.

"Some patients are suitable for treatment at a young age.

"I felt that because she had already been having treatment it would be better for her to be treated by someone experienced."

Dr Mahmood, who is also a GP, said he charged £180 for the anti-wrinkle treatment. The effects last for at least four months.