A Ukrainian man has been officially recognised as the tallest person in the world, rising above the previous Chinese holder of the title.

	Leonid Stadnik lives at home with his mother

Leonid Stadnik, a 37-year-old former veterinarian, was measured at 8 feet 5 inches (2.57 metres) in 2006, making him more than 8 inches (20 centimetres) taller than China’s Bao Xishun, who measured 7 foot 9 inches (2.36 metres tall ).

Mr Stadnik was awarded the Guinness World Record yesterday.

A brain operation apparently began his growth spurt at the age of 14 by stimulating his pituitary gland.

Mr Stadnik lives with his mother, Halyna, in northwestern Ukraine, taking care of the family’s house and garden.

	Peerless ploughman: Mr Stadnik harnesses a horse

The reaction of Mr Bao is not known. The Mongolian herdsman has cashed in on his celebrity status with publicity stunts including a recent meeting with the world’s shortest man.

Mr Bao married last month, noting that he wanted his children to be tall, but not as tall as him.