Have a merry DNA Christmas

A necklace made from someone's DNA map

Wearside scientist Louise Allcroft is making personalised Christmas presents using people's DNA patterns.

Ms Allcroft, is using the genetic codes to design items from necklaces to rugs.

All she needs is a DNA sample, taken with a swab from inside the mouth

Ms Allcroft and her Sunderland-based team analyse the DNA and turn the results into a barcode pattern, which can then be crafted into almost anything.

Louise Allcroft graduated from Newcastle University

She said: "We can incorporate a person's unique profile into a silver necklace, with bands of gemstones and silver that correspond to their genetic fingerprint."

Ms Allcroft, a graduate in molecular biology from Newcastle University, added: "We can even do wedding champagne flutes, with tiny delicate crystal beads matching the DNA codes of the bride and groom.

"The possibilities are endless. What you get is an absolutely unique gift that no-one except you - or your identical twin - will ever have again."

The company guarantees the privacy of genetic information.