A 50-year-old British woman has spent thousands on plastic surgery - to become the spitting image of her daughter.

The former size 14 redhead has overhauled herself with diet, surgery and blonde hair extensions to bridge the 22-year age gap.

Pictures of Janet Cunliffe and daughter Jane, published in Britain's Daily Mail, show they are now virtually identical - though Jane is taller.

And Janet has told the paper she is now the centre of attention after years feeling "like an old bag".

"It might sound barmy that I had cosmetic surgery to look like my daughter, but she's gorgeous," she said.

"Now instead of mum and daughter we look more like twins."

The newspaper reports that she spent £10,000 (more than $20,000) on surgery including breast enlargement and work on her eyes and nose, carried out in Croatia.

With new hair and a new wardrobe, the change was dramatic.

"The first time we went to a local wine bar, we were the centre of attention," Janet said.

"Men kept doing a double take and all night people asked if we were sisters. We both loved the attention."

Daughter Jane said she was proud of her mum's new look, and said they were now "closer than ever".

"She looks better than Madonna at 50, which is saying something."