Preparations to grow the bushiest moustache are well underway in Helston as men take part in the Movember campaign.

This aims to raise funds and awareness about prostate and testicular cancers, through men being sponsored to grow moustaches through the month of November.

Now almost three weeks into the month, many familiar faces in town are sporting unusual upper lip adornments.

Among the shopkeepers and public figures taking part in the charity fundraising are mayor Jonathan Radford-Gaby and town councillor John Boase, Costa store manager Chris Ring and Cornwall and Cornwall Councillor Andy Wallis.

At the Blue Anchor staff and regulars prepared for a joint fundraising effort by undergoing a traditional open blade shave.

Although 35 are taking part in Movember, only five of them went beneath the razor to remove their fuzzy facial hair – the rest preferring to do their shaving at home.

The hot towel shave took place at the pub and was provided by Rhonda from the Alley Barber Shop.

This is the first year the men have taken part in the moustache-growing charity effort.

Bill Jennings, captain of the Blue Anchor team, said: “Being a delicate subject that people don’t wish to talk about, we at the Blue Anchor decided to raise awareness in our community about this charity.

“We have already had great support from the people of Helston including Alley Barber Shop and hope to raise a decent sum of money for this well-deserved charity.”

The group will be holding a fundraiser night at the pub later in November with entertainment and food. At the end of the month a judging competition will be held and a prize will be awarded for the best moustache.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at the Blue Anchor or Alley Barber Shop. Alternatively visit http://uk.movember.com/team/419273 Another pub where locals are gathering together for a joint fundraising effort is the Halzephron Inn at Gunwalloe.

They are planning to gather on Friday, November 30, for a celebration of their moustaches and to compare growth. To add to the fun, the men taking part must wear fancy dress to fit the style of their moustache, be it Mexican, Victorian or something more unique.

The Movember movement was originally established in Melbourne, Australia, and is now supported across the world. The rules of the campaign dictate that each ‘Mo Bro’ must start on November 1 with a clean shaven face and grow and groom a moustache for the duration of the month.

Funds raised in the UK go towards programmes run directly by Movember and their men’s health partners, Prostate Cancer UK and the Institute of Cancer Research.