Standing at 7ft 7.5ins, Britain's tallest man Neil Fingleton has found his perfect job - playing the giant in a Christmas panto.

The 28-year-old will appear as the fearsome baddie in Jack and the Beanstalk - the first time a real giant has played the part.

Traditional versions of the festive favourite rely on actors on stilts, huge puppets or a booming voice-over to fill the huge shoes.

But Mr Fingleton's natural loft means he's head and shoulders above the rest.

The actor, who wears size 15 shoes and has a 54-inch inside leg, said: 'I can't wait to start playing the giant - it's like the role was written for me.

'I'm told I'm the first real tall person to take the role in panto.

'It's a unique niche and I'm excited about my first performance.

'Not a day goes by when people don't point at me and tell me how tall I am, so it's great to make the most of it like this.'