At 24 inches tall, Indian student is named world's shortest woman

A student in central India was recognised as the world's shortest woman yesterday as she celebrated her 18th birthday.

Jyoti Amge is only 2ft 0.7in (62.8cm) – shorter than the average two-year-old. Representatives from Guinness World Records measured her at a ceremony attended by about 30 relatives and friends in Nagpur.

A tearful Ms Amge, who has the condition achondroplasia, called the honour an "extra birthday present" and said she felt grateful for being small, as it had brought her recognition.

After receiving a plaque, she and her guests cut a birthday cake. "I have put Nagpur on the world map," said Ms Amge, who dreams of becoming a film star as well as going to university when she finishes high school. She measured 7cm shorter than Bridgette Jordan, a 22-year-old American, who had held the title since September.