MOUSTACHES have been growing up and down the country in aid of charity during November.

Among the thousands of men who took part in Movember to raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness, there have been some interesting efforts from men in St Albans and Harpenden.

Staff, governors and parents at Aldwickbury School in Harpenden have been busy growing their moustaches in styles popularized by icons such as Wyatt Earp, Charlie Chaplin, Tom Selleck and Jimmy Edwards – raising more than �1,700 so far.

On Friday, pupils were enlisted to support the teachers with all boys and other staff given the opportunity to purchase a moustache to wear for the day. History teacher Tom Hoare led the Teachers’ Taches Team through the 30-day challenge.

The crew at Harpenden Fire Station were also growing their facial hair throughout last month, raising more than �1,000.

Watch commander John McHale said: “Everybody knows or have known somebody that has been affected by some kind of cancer at some point, but prostate cancer is one of the lesser known but potentially could affect all men.

“Movember was first brought to my attention last year when a few of the guys took part and this year it was decided to really promote this great cause so the whole crew has taken on the challenge to give up their faces to help raise money.”

Local consumer champion Barry Cashin has also been growing his facial hair for Movember and has been taking advantage of a free moustache or beard trip from George Street gents hairdressers The Alternative Barbering Company.

The owner Sam Campagna said he had decided to do his bit for Movember because a close friend had been diagnosed with the illness earlier this year and he was only 47 compared with the average age of sufferers which is 65.

Sam said: “It’s only when something like this affects someone close whom you know that it really hits home.”

Herts Advertiser sales rep Michael Hutton and personal trainer Gary Edwards, 26, of Harpenden are also among the many individuals who took on the challenge.

Gary said: “This is a cause that I feel passionately about and by making myself look the fool for one month I hope I can raise some money for Prostate Cancer. It will use the money raised by Movember for the development of programs related to awareness, public education, advocacy, support of those affected, and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer.”

To sponsor Gary visit http://uk.movember.com/mospace/817990/