Belgian Fernand Bachelard, who claims to be the biggest man in the world, finally beat his handicap in the marriage stakes on Wednesday when he married a life-long admirer at the age of 48.

The Burgomaster of Roucourt performed the ceremony at the Town Hall for his massive fellow-villager, who tips the scales at more than 460 pounds (210 kilos), and stands 7 feet 9 inches (2.35 metres) tall.

Fernand's bride, who is also 48, is divorced dairy shopkeeper Ranee Colin. She is a mere 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 metres) tall, and she weighs only 185 pounds (85 kilos).

The wedding ended a life of heartbreak for Fernand due to his size.