However, we've yet to come across a scheme that beats "Beards for Battersea".

Yes, staff and volunteers from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home are embarking on 6 weeks of furiously competitive beard growing to raise £3k for "much needed toys, treats and all kinds of things to make our dogs and cats stay at the Home happier and more fun filled".

We'll be keeping an eye on the mooted Beardies Blog to watch the hairy, scratchy progress with interest and are only rather miffed that at this stage, there don't seem to be any females entering the fray. Perhaps we should be fielding an animal loving Londonista? Do knee beards count?

Either way, the most amiable and venerable of beard bearers, Brian Blessed, will be judging the whiskery results and first prize will be a long awaited wet shave from the oldest and right royal barbers, Truefitt and Hill of St James.

Support the Battersea Beard growers here or contact the Home for details of how to put your best facial hair forward yourself.

Curious dog/beard image courtesy of Willster1000's Flickrstream.