Hamburg, Dec. 16: The ugly are seeking refuge from a hostile world in a German club specially founded to cater for their needs and allay their anxieties.

Hamburg’s Ugly Club requires of its members only that they identify the one thing about themselves that they are most unhappy about. Stomachs are at the top of the list, followed by noses and hips.

Harald Gasper, a creative director in an advertising agency with a jowly face and a big nose, established the club with his wife Regina, a tall journalist with big feet.

“We’re tired of the idea that you have to be beautiful to get on in life, that beauty equals social power, and beautiful people earn more and get promoted quicker,” Gasper, 41, said.

“We’re not saying that ugly people are the best. But by coming together we hope to show that we too have something to offer and that the world doesn’t just belong to beautiful people.”

“Ugly People of the World Unite”, is the unofficial motto of the club, which has 270 members.