ROYAL Navy personnel from 847 Naval Air Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force, threw away their razors and reached for their beard and moustache grooming kits to raise money for Movember.

Throughout November they competed to grow the best, and strangest, beards and moustaches to help raise money and awareness for Movember.

Air Engineering Technician (AET) Sean Counihan, organiser of the competition said: “We decided to hold this competition throughout November as it’s a great charity raising money for illnesses that can affect all males and some of our families have been directly affected by these illnesses.

"We raised over £300 and it’s all worked out well today with a really good turnout.”

Lt Cdr Graeme Spence, Commanding Officer of 847 NAS, was invited to judge the competition.

With a thoroughness worthy of a formal parade inspection, Lt Cdr Spence, aided by a ruler, awarded first prize to AET Counihan whose Freddie Mercury-esque moustache won extra points for length and style.

On winning the competition, AET Counihan said, “I’m feeling pretty good about winning, I’ve got a strong moustache that has been the source of a lot of good natured banter from the lads.”

In honour of the Royal Navy tradition of not (usually) allowing moustaches, beards are included in the Movember competition and second prize went to AET Greg Jackson for his beard, with a consolation prize for trying going AET Rob Alcock.

Lt Cdr Graeme Spence said, “It’s great to see so many of the boys from the Squadron taking part in what is a fantastic charity event. They’ve raised over £300 which is a great effort.

"It’s a good, fun thing to do and I was very happy to be invited to judge the competition. I’ve tried growing both a beard and a moustache but I think I would have been in the worst category!”