Hirsuite

Some of the world's most hairiest faces have gathered on the English south coast to see who has the fullest beard or the most stylish moustache. Competitors from the UK, America, Germany and many other countries are taking part in the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Brighton.

The 2007 event is being hosted by The Handlebar Club which was set up exactly 60 years ago in a London theatre.

Categories include Dali moustache, goatee and full beard freestyle.

The judging and prize-giving takes place at the Brighton Centre throughout Saturday.
The contest's aim is to "encourage and celebrate standards of excellence in the growth, design and presentation of facial hair", while also "putting a smile on people's faces".

Show organiser Steve Parsons said there were some competitors who had gone to great lengths.

"The freestyle beard is probably the most spectacular one because basically, as the name suggests, it's freestyle, so you can do anything you like.

"For example at the last championships in Berlin, one of the competitors there actually styled his beard in the shape of the Brandenburg Gate with horses and flags and everything."

Proceeds this year will go to a testicular cancer charity and the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton.

Previous events have also been held in Norway, Sweden and the US, with the 2009 championships already set to head to Alaska.

Results to follow ..............