Chilli the giant bull is set to stampede into the record books as Britain's tallest bovine.

The black and white Freisan bullock is 1.9m (6ft 6in) tall and weighs more than a tonne. He dwarfs most horses, is the same height as a small elephant and casts a shadow over his cattle companions.

However, nine-year-old Chilli grazes just on grass and enjoys the occasional swede as a treat at his home at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Chard, Somerset, where he was dumped at six days old.

Staff have applied to the Guinness World Records book.

Manager Naomi Clarke said: 'As Chilli grew up, we began noticing he was bigger than our other cows. He is a very friendly and gentle cow so we hope he manages to break the record – he deserves it.'