HIRSUTE colleagues from the Redditch branch of Halfords have helped create the largest network of Movember supporters in Europe.

Along with nearly 2,000 colleagues up and down country men from the store have grown moustaches and together managed to raise more than £15,000.

Movember, which began in 2004, is an annual, month-long event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issue such as prostate cancer and other male cancers, and associated charities.

Residents may have recognised that the usual welcoming smile from staff in the store has been hairier than normal, and have kindly donated to the cause.

Halfords retail director Rob Swyer, sporting an impressive moustache of his own, said: “I’m proud of our colleagues’ show of support and amazed at the creativity and variety of the moustaches they now bear.”

“Health is a serious business but we’ve had good fun and the network has just grown and grown over the last few weeks raising funds and awareness for an important cause.”

For more information about Movember, including how to donate and the programmes directed by the Movember Foundation, visit Movember.com.