A Sidmouth man is looking forward to FolkWeek more than usual this year, after spending the last 12 months growing his beard to raise money for Sidmouth Lifeboat.

David Hodge has raised more than £200 so far as part of the challenge and will shave his efforts off at the end of the festival on August 10.

The 50-year-old was inspired after seeing the best beard competition held by Philip Weaver, owner of Cut Throat Barbers, during the festivities in 2017.

David said: “I said, ‘if I shave my beard now, I won’t shave it until next FolkWeek and I will do it for the lifeboat.’ He [Philip] said that was a great idea and we went from there. It’s getting harder now because the weather is getting hotter.”

Guy Russell, senior coxswain from the lifeboat, said: “It is so nice that people recognise what we do as a charity and they make the time to do such diverse things to raise money.”

Sponsorship forms are available in Cut Throat Barbers, Church Street, and East Devon Physio in Sidford.