World's shortest man hailed

A poor Filipino blacksmith’s son who stands less than two feet (60 centimetres) tall was declared the world’s shortest man by Guinness World Records on his 18th birthday today, sparking a celebration in his hometown.

The title was bestowed on Junrey Balawing in Sindangan in the southern Philippines, with his parents, villagers and officials showering the coastal town’s newly famous resident with a feast, cake, balloons and cash gifts.