A CANCER charity has called on all men to grow a beard this December to raise awareness and money.

Bowel Cancer UK has called on dads, brothers, sons, nephews, grandads and uncles to take part in the challenge to support vital research and lifesaving work to stop the disease.

The challenge will see men have a clean shave on November 30 and then let their facial hair flourish throughout December.

For people who are already bearded, charity chiefs have said they can dye, ditch or decorate their beard and join the campaign.

The charity said that bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in men in the UK and the nation’s second biggest cancer killer, even though the disease is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.

Sports broadcaster Jim Rosenthal, who supports 'Decembeard', said: “Lads, winter’s cold so why don’t you do your face a favour and give it some warmth by growing a beard this December.

"You’ll be raising money and awareness for a great cause that affects 1 in 14 men.”

To sign up to 'Decembeard' and give hope to those that are going through treatment, remember loved ones and come together to stop bowel cancer, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/decembeard