A 29-year-old Tennessee man has fathered 21 children with 11 different women.

Children's shoes /Rex

Desmond Hatchett's extended offspring came to light after authorities took him to court for non-payment of child support.

He has apparently set a US record but said: "It just happened."

Residents of his home town of Knoxville are angry with some even calling for him to be castrated.

But Mr Hatchett said he would not have any more children: "I'm done. I'll say I'm done," he said.

Mr Hatchett, who earns a minimal wage, told TV reporters he knows the names and ages of all his offspring who range from newborn to 11 years old.

Authorities in Knoxville said they plan to take half of his monthly salary to pay for the youngsters but officials said that would work out at just over £1 a week for each child.

His lawyer Keith Pope said: "The children can't all be supported by Desmond, so the state of Tennessee has had to step in."

One mother, who has two children with him, said she should get £44 a month but rarely receives any child support.

"It's frustrating, but usually, when I ask he gives it to me," she said.

(http://www.ananova.com)