Ann Casey is also prepared for her daughter Chelsea to become pregnant before she is a teenager if that is the only chance she has of being able to have a family.

Chelsea, from Bury, Greater Manchester, has an undiagnosed disorder which means she was two feet long at birth and is now five feet tall and wearing the clothes of a 10-year-old.

Chelsea is currently on monthly injections to restrict the onset of puberty, but doctors fear she may start the menopause as soon as treatment is withdrawn at the age of nine or 10.

Her mother is considering having Chelsea's eggs frozen so she could have a surrogate child later in life or she would allow her to have a baby at the age of 11 or 12 if the menopause is delayed.

She said: "I just want her to have a normal life and the chance of having a family.

"There is no prognosis for her and I cherish every day I have with her.

"I know there may be an ethical battle, but I have to think about whether to have her eggs frozen."

Old in her twenties

IFV treatment is an option

Ann said that it was possible Chelsea could be like an old woman by the time she was in her 20s.

She believes she could have a child before she becomes a teenager because she would have the body of an older woman.

"I would not mind. I have to think about these things. There are girls now in schools who have children that young.

"I would take care of it until she was in a position to," she said.

Ann added that the baby would probably be fathered by a sperm donor.

Chelsea, described as very loving and caring, has mild learning difficulties and her speech is limited.

Her condition is inherited from her father Dave - who is separated from Ann - but medical experts have no idea why she has grown so quickly.