A launderette manager from Hertfordshire is about to enter the record books for having more surrogate babies than anyone else in Britain.

Carol Horlock, 36, from Stevenage, already had two children of her own when she became a surrogate mother for the first time seven years ago.

Her tenth baby - the eighth for other couples - is due in April.

"I thoroughly enjoy doing it," she said. "Imagine someone wanting something for 20 years and something so important to them - and you make it happen.

Surrogacy is not something people should enter into lightly

Support group COTS

"It's very special. It's a wonderful experience."

Carol uses her own eggs to have babies for couples who are unable to have children.

The eggs are fertilised by artificial insemination, using the husband's sperm.

Though the children are all biologically hers, she has given up her parental rights.

Carol's own two children are very supportive.

"I think it's a nice thing - because some people can't have babies. I think it's kind to help someone," said her daughter Megan.

Strong relationship

The support group COTS - Childlessness Overcome Through Surrogacy - said that Carol's actions were "profound" and "selfless".

"But surrogacy is not something people should enter into lightly," a spokeswoman added.

"The surrogate has to be sure she can give up the child. The couple need to have exhausted all medical channels and be strong in their relationship."

After this baby, Carol plans to have two more.

By law she cannot be paid for helping childless couples, but she gets expenses of around �3,000.