A SCHOOL teacher is celebrating his 40th year in the job by shaving his beard and moustache off for the first time in aid of charity.

Nigel Spencer is asking all his pupils at All Saints Primary School in Dovercourt as well as past students to get involved and raise cash for his chosen charity, St Helena Hospice.

He is aiming to collect around £500 with the promise he will shave his trade-mark beard and moustache befor the Easter school holidays.

Nigel said he has had a beard ever since he was able to grow one as a teenager.

"I might not recognise myself," he added.

Donations should be sent to All Saints Primary School, Dovercourt, in an envelope marked ‘Beard Hospice Appeal.’