Off with his beard! But all for a good cause.

David Hodge, who is a self employed dog walker, had been growing his beard since FolkWeek 2017 and chose this year’s event as a suitable time to get it shaved off.

“I had one for four months before but never for a year,” he said. “It was a bit hard going this summer. Just too hot!”

He was raising money for the Sidmouth Lifeboat and barber Phil Weaver, who has a shop on Church Street, was there to do the honours outside the Lifeboat station on the seafront.

Kitrina Bishop, company secretary and treasurer for the Lifeboat, said: “I think it’s tremendous.

“He’s been working on it for a long time and we are truly grateful for his support.

“I’m especially impressed by how he’s struggled with the recent hot weather.”

David raised more than £250 and took a collection on the day.

Visit sidmouthlifeboat.org.uk for more information on what the charity does and its important work in the town.