World's tallest man saves Chinese dolphins

The world's tallest man turned into a life saver for two sick dolphins yesterday as he used his long arms to remove large pieces of plastic from their stomachs.

Bao Xishun, a Mongolian tribesman, was recruited to remove the shards of plastic after medical equipment had failed at an aquarium in Fushan, north-east China.

The 55-year-old former soldier measures a shade under seven foot nine and took the record from previous holder Radhouane Charbib of Tunisia by just two millimetres after an intense measuring session in January last year.

Local doctor Zhu Xiaoling told the state run news agency Xinhua that the unconventional operation was a success: "Some very small plastic pieces are still left in the dolphins' stomachs. However, the dolphins will be able to digest these and are expected to recover soon."

China's north-eastern region is known for its stunning countryside and cities that provide visitors with a sense of 'authentic' China providing a unique travelling experience.