British Beard and Moustache Championships take place in Brighton today

The first British Beard and Moustache Championships are due to be held in Brighton today (Saturday 15 September).

They follow the hosting of the World Beard and Moustache Championships here by the Handlebar Club five years ago.

The event today is being held to raise money for the Martlets Hospice in Hove and Macmillan Cancer Support.

It starts with a parade in the Pavilion Gardens area of Brighton from 12.30pm followed by the competition in the Corn Exchange from 2pm.

The Handlebar Club and the British Beard Club are co-hosting proceedings with 12 categories including a new beard category and women and children’s make-your-own.

Other categories include natural moustaches, English, handlebar and freestyle, natural partial beards, natural sideburns, musketeer and the new sculptured.

Expect to see full beards including those with a styled moustache as well as freestyle full beards.

It costs £20 to enter the contest at the Corn Exchange and £12.50 to watch the charity fundraising event.