A Taiwanese man has tried to appease the restless spirit of his dead wife by marrying a Barbie doll.

Chang Hsi-hsum, 46, married the 28cm (11 inch) plastic doll during an elaborate ceremony at his local Buddhist temple.

He believes the doll houses the spirit of his wife, Tsai, who killed herself 20 years ago because his family opposed their marriage.

The ceremony appeared to be a wedding like any other, with the bride's anxious family waiting outside the temple for the groom's arrival beforehand.

The bride wore a wedding dress, complete with gold jewellery and rings.

As part of the ceremony a paper model of a red Mercedes car, representing part of Tsai's dowry, was burnt, so she could make use of it in the spirit world.

And a gold necklace that had belonged to Tsai was placed on the doll.

After the wedding, Chang and his new bride returned to their home, together with an urn which contained Tsai's ashes.

'Finally together'

The urn will be placed at their home and from now on Tsai will be regarded as a member of their family.

The groom's family have asked for Tsai's forgiveness by giving their blessing to the marriage, thus placating her spirit.

Chang Hsi-hsun said: "I have waited for this day for 20 years. Even after all this time, I feel in love with her.

"Now I will marry her spirit and take her home. We will be finally together and able to live in peace."

Chang married again after Tsai's death, but the ceremony was carried out with his current wife's blessing.

It is not unusual in Chinese culture to hold such a spiritual marriage, with the soul of the dead person represented by an object with their name written on it.

However, what is unusual was the form of the bride chosen - a plastic doll manufactured by an American company for children to play with, and famous for her figure.