Scientists have developed a new injection that removes haemangiomas (strawberry birthmarks) and abnormally formed blood vessels without leaving a scar.

The non-surgical procedure involves injecting an antibiotic drug called bleomycin into the affected area.

Tobian Muir, a reconstructive plastic surgeon who offers the procedure at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, revealed: "Although this is a new treatment, it is not experimental as the effectiveness and safety of the drug has already been studied and offered to patients at the trust for four years."

He said that the treatment has produced "remarkable, even life-changing" results for some patients.

For instance, 19-year-old Jessica Hopper received injections to treat a birthmark on the side of her body.

She admitted that she had been nervous about trying such a new treatment, but revealed that she now has much higher self-esteem.

Haemangiomas are non-cancerous growths that usually appear within the first few weeks after birth.

Many disappear during childhood, but some can remain and cause emotional distress and even physical discomfort.