A Nepalese fruit seller's son with the body of a toddler turned 18 today and was officially declared the world's shortest man.

Khagendra Thapa Magar measured in at 26.4in, displacing the former record holder, Edward Nino Hernandez of Colombia, who measures 27in.

Cheers went up when Mr Magar was handed a world record certificate by Guinness World Records official Marco Frigatti. The ceremony was held in a hotel in Pokhara, Mr Magar's home town and a popular tourist destination west of Katmandu.

His family have campaigned for years to get him the crown, but earlier requests to Guinness were rejected because of the possibility he might grow.

"We are very proud of our son," said his father, Rup Bahadur Thapa Magar. "We have been finally recognised and our dreams have finally come true."

Mr Magar and his family excitedly welcomed journalists to their rented home, where he jumped on the kitchen table and made tea for the press and family members. He also received presents for his 18th and danced to the sound of a toy drum.

Mr Magar, who weighs just over 12lb, was tiny even at birth, weighing just 1.3lb. His father says he has no explanation for why he never grew taller - his younger brother is normal height for a boy of 13.

Local doctors are stumped, but lack facilities for detailed testing.

Mr Magar's doctor for the past five years says he has the body of a three-year-old.

"His body structure is like that of a small child and he also thinks and behaves in that manner," Hum Prasad Newpane said.

Mr Magar - who already travels as part of a dancing troupe when he isn't helping out his parents in their fruit shop - seems ready for the media spotlight that will accompany his new title.

Next year he is to serve as a government-appointed goodwill ambassador as his nation celebrates Visit Nepal Year.

"I am very happy and excited," he said.