EDWARD Hernandez is positively giant-like compared to the previous holder of the world’s smallest man title.

Following the death of Ping Ping, who was just 21 inches tall, the 24-year-old Colombian’s family weren’t slow in coming forward to stake Eddie’s claim to the position. No Eddie Large he?

It’s not all glory though, as this interesting documentary, which avoids making fun of the lad, reveals.

Edward was brought up in a poor area of Bogota and was “joyful” when his claim to be the world’s smallest was verified by the Guinness Book of World Records — well, you would be, wouldn’t you?

The plus points to being so small, are, well, that you may make a bit of money out of it, but it’s not really happening yet for Edward or his family, though this documentary should help.

On the downside, it’s obviously annoying being so small — there’s quite a lot you can’t do and, consequently, a similar amount your family and friends have to do for you.

Also, according to one of Edward’s brothers, people have a tendency to want to pat him or pick him up as if he was a small furry animal. Irritating at best.

The offers have started to come in, though. He’s met the Colombian president and chat shows are taking advantage of Edward’s “flare for modern dance”. Hmm . . .

Largely, this Bodyshock Special documentary is pretty sympathetic and doesn’t make fun of its subject matter, which makes it a little better than you would expect, and you do wonder — with other contenders for the prize popping up all the time — how long the attention will last. As the amusingly-named Marco Frigatti, of Guinness World Records, points out: “We knew that the reign of Edward, as the shortest man, could be very short.”

Indeed. just as filming was taking place, in Nepal, a serious threat has emerged in the form of another very small man. We’re on your side Edward.