BIG is beautiful according to a North-East housewife, who has nominated her husband as Britain's sexiest fat bloke.

Taxi driver Lee Dent, of Ruby Street, Shildon, County Durham, is the greatest, according to his wife, Marie, who sent his picture to a women's magazine which is searching for Mr Fat 2001.

The 21-stone father of two has been shortlisted in the competition by Chat magazine, and readers are being asked to vote this week for their favourite chunky man.

Mr Dent, 30, who works for Carroll's Taxis, in Shildon, said: "It started off as a laugh, but I am over the moon to get down to the last 17.''

Since the nomination, he has been interviewed on radio, and his picture will appear in the magazine.

His colleagues have been ribbing him about his new-found fame, but encouraging people to vote for him.

Mr Dent said the attention he had received had come as a shock. He said: "It's crazy. I am proud but I am also a little bit embarrassed.''

It started when Mrs Dent, 27, spotted the competition and sent her husband's picture to the magazine.

She said: "I think he's sexy. He's a good looking bloke and you don't see many good-looking big blokes, really.''

If Mr Dent wins the title, he gets £1,000 and a make over for him and his wife.

But it does not matter whether he wins or not in the eyes of his wife and children John, 22 months, and Jade, 11 months.

Mrs Dent said: "We think he's the best.''

Magazine editor Paul Merrill said: "Our readers like something to get hold of. They are proud of their overweight men and recognise their sexiness, and Lee is a hot contender for the final.''