THE FANCIEST facial hair in Hampshire will be celebrated as one pub prepares for the battle of the beards.

In recent months across Hampshire truly dedicated followers of fashion have been growing and styling beards as men throughout the country ditch the razors.

It has resulted in bushy beards and twirling ’taches becoming more and more noticeable on the high street.

So to showcase the very best, a Southampton pub is hosting a contest for the city's most brilliant beards.

Hirsute men are expected to queue up at the Rockstone pub, in Onslow Road, at the third annual contest, which raises cash for charity.

Last year around 40 hairy men put themselves forward to claim one of five titles and show just how impressive their bristling beards were.

Contestants in this year’s event on November 28 include staff from the pub – Adam “Thunderbeard” Clark and Stuart Blakeledge, whose ginger beard stretches to 30cm long.

Stuart, 28, from Northam, said: “I grew my beard out of a combination of both laziness and because it’s creative and interesting.

“I thought about getting something with the individualism of a tattoo but then I could always shave it off if it went wrong.

“I’d rather not shave it off now, it’s working rather well. I’ve had a beard for the last eight years, though it hasn’t always looked like this.”

While Stuart’s beard dominates any room he walks into, last year he was beaten by Nick Karlsen, from Portswood, whose facial hair stretched to 38cms (14 inches) long.

Stuart added: “If you saw his beard you’d be impressed. It’s like a Viking has come back through time.”

Not to be outdone by the boys the barmaids at the Bevois Valley waterhole will be getting in on the action by donning their very own fake beards.

Contestants can enter for free and there will be a number of categories. Staff from Connery’s barbershop in Carlton Place will act as judges.

Winners get to take home a £50 bag of beard protection goodies.

Categories include largest beard and those who can stick the most pencils in their beard.

Styles of facial hair also come under scrutiny, while anyone who can fashion their beards or moustaches with accessories or colours will also make an impression.

Last year’s event managed to raise £700 for Southampton Sight and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Landlord Max Greenwood hoped this year would be even more successful.

He said: “There was a queue round the pub last year. We’re hoping more people will turn up this year. There’s some of Britain’s finest beards out there.”