Council chief Liam Smith is growing a moustache to help fund research into the causes of prostate cancer.

The Barking and Dagenham leader has joined a UK fundraising drive set up to raise awareness of men’s health, including prostate and testicular cancer.

He said: “In support of the campaign, I’ll be growing a moustache through November.

“There’ll be no more shaving in front of the bathroom mirror for the 30 days – and as the wind gets colder, my top lip will be all the warmer. If I can also raise some money for a fantastic cause, everyone’s a winner.”

The Labour council leader sported a beard for years but was clean-shaven until the end of last month.

The initiative he is taking part in is known as Movember, a combination of the slang word “mo” for moustache and “November”.

To donate funds to the Movember charity, log on to movember.com.

If you are taking part in the fundraiser, send us your before and after pictures at postnewsdesk@archant.co.uk.