News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A mum-of-two has spent more than £20,000 on collecting lifelike dolls - but says she can't afford to treat her own young daughters.

Kerrie Williams, 33, has blown thousands on her collection of seven Reborn dolls complete with designer accessories.

But she believes buying clothes for daughters Karina, 13, and 12-year-old Jade is a waste of money because they're still growing.

Kerrie, of Darlington, turned to the dolls for comfort after suffering a miscarriage in January 2012.

The doting mum instantly fell in love with the realistic-looking toys, which cost between £150 and £400 a time, and felt the urge to cradle them in her arms.

But when she ordered a new baby called Till to look identical to the child she and partner Paul had lost, her relationship started to break down.

(Image: Hotspot)

"I hoped Till would bring us closer together," she said.

"But instead Paul became very uncomfortable with the dolls and banned them from sleeping in our bedroom.

"We split up soon after Till arrived."

Kerrie has since added to her collection further, splashing out on Serenity, Wynter, twins Corey and Cody, and vampire babies Lillith and Lilliana.

The part-time carer has even blown £1,000 on a pram and thousands on designer baby clothes including Ralph Lauren and Converse.

But when it comes to her own children, she's less generous.

She said: "Karina wanted a pair of Vans trainers and was furious when I told her I couldn't afford them. She gets jealous because I bought the reborns the same pair - but they can wear them forever."

(Image: Hotspot)

The single mum can often be seen taking her babies for a stroll in one of their four pushchairs, visiting the local park, or even the supermarket to try on baby clothes.

And she's become used to people's cruel stares and jibes when they realise the tiny newborns are indeed fake.

"Usually people believe they're real babies unless I tell them otherwise but sometimes I hear strangers laughing at me," she said.

"They taunt the babies and say they look like dead children, but I think my babies are beautiful."

But she admits the fake babies will never replace how special her own children are - despite preparing to welcome new addition Megan in December.