The UK has become the first country in the world to legalise the creation of babies using DNA from three people.

Members of the House of Lords have overwhelmingly rejected an attempt to block the proposal, which had already been approved by MPs.

The law allowing the new modified form of IVF treatment has passed despite concerns from church leaders and pro-life groups that it could lead to so-called 'designer babies'.

The BBC reports that the first baby resulting from this treatment could be born as early as 2016.

The house of Commons approved the proposals earlier this month.