Britain's tallest toddler, twice the size of other children his age, stands an incredible four foot tall

A three-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder is one of Britain's tallest toddlers and stands an incredible four foot tall.

James Whatley was born with Sotos syndrome, a disorder that causes rapid growth during the early years of life, and is twice the size of other children his age.

James, who is the same height as the average six-year-old, is one of around 20,000 children born with Sotos every year.

His mum Michelle, from Redhill, Surrey, is trying to raise awareness for 'Jeans for Genes Day'.

Michelle, who is 5ft11 and husband Scott, a 6ft4 builder, always expected their third born child to be tall.

But James was delivered by C-section weighing a massive 10lbs 6oz and nearly 2ft tall - the size of a six-month-old.

He is now already taller than five-year-old sister Emma and is catching up with seven-year-old brother Spencer.>It is believed James will stop growing around the age of puberty but it is predicted he could reach a height of 6' 7''.

The disorder - caused by a mutation in the NSD1 gene - has also given him severe learning difficulties and poor mobility as his muscles struggle to keep up with his bone growth.> After his diagnoses nine months later, he started speech and language therapy to help him express himself and now attends Brooklands School, a state special school in nearby Reigate.