World's tallest man swept off his feet

The world's tallest man is getting married to a woman nearly half his age and more than two feet shorter.

After a global appeal for brides, Bao Xishun, 56, is getting hitched to a 29-year-old saleswoman from his hometown of Chifeng in Inner Mongolia.

"After sending out marriage advertisements across the world and going through a long selection process, the efforts have finally paid off," a Chinese newspaper said.

The 7ft 9inch herdsman is listed by Guinness World Records as the tallest living man.

It was the first wedding for Mr Bao and his bride, Xia Shujuan, a mere 5ft 6 inches tall.

Mr Bao reached his height in a seven-year spurt that began in his teens and which doctors have yet to explain, according to Guinness.

After a career in the army, where he was recruited for a basketball team, he returned to Inner Mongolia. He now herds livestock and hires himself out for publicity stunts.

In December, Bao hit the headlines when he saved the lives of two dolphins by reaching deep into their stomachs with his 42-inch long arm to pull out pieces of plastic.

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