Many British people want to receive a cosmetic surgery gift voucher in their stocking this year, it has been claimed.

According to the Birkdale Clinic, both men and women have shown an interest in the vouchers, which can be redeemed against the cosmetic surgery procedure of the recipient's choice.

Patient coordinator Marie Jenkins told the FemaleFirst website: "It seems that jewellery and perfume are old news and simply no longer 'cut it' in the present stakes.

"We have had phone calls from men since September asking if we are selling the vouchers. Husbands and boyfriends...are now a lot more supportive of their partners' needs to get the perfect body."

Ms Jenkins noted that it is not only women who want cosmetic surgery as the clinic has noticed a rise in male patients in recent months.

However, one person who is unlikely to be requesting a cosmetic surgery voucher this year is ex-Friends star Courteney Cox.

The 44-year-old actress recently told the Daily Mail that she has used Botox in the past but does not do it at the moment, although she admitted: "I'm sure I'll be tempted when I get older."