Researchers expect to see the first patients available for recruitment in the new year, with results expected in around four years.

Campaigners have called on the trial into puberty blockers for children to be stopped, arguing it is unlawful and could harm young people.

The trial could see around 226 young people recruited after it was confirmed last month that ethical and regulatory approval had been granted.

The trial is being undertaken following a recommendation by the Cass Review into children’s gender care, which concluded that the quality of research claiming to show the benefits of such medication for youngsters with gender dysphoria was “poor”.

Baroness Hilary Cass, who led that review, said her report had “uncovered a very weak evidence base” for the benefits of puberty block

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