The fertility watchdog is set to allow couples to choose donated sperm or eggs to create their designer child.

Factors such as height, eye colour and intelligence could be taken into account.

The proposals are part of a public consultation launched on Thursday by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

The compensation for "expenses and inconvenience" could be also raised to £1,000 for eggs and £50 for sperm.

At present both male and female donors receive £15 plus reasonable expenses.