A TEACHER has raised more than £1,000 after having his trademark beard shaved off.

Nigel Spencer marked his 40th year in teaching by shaving off his facial hair for the first time since he was able to grow it last March.

Mr Spencer, who works at All Saints Primary School in Dovercourt managed to raise £1,031.25 for St Helena Hospice which was more than double his £500 target.

He said: “I am thrilled with this amount which is considerably more than expected.

“Thank you to all those who contributed, every penny counts “For me, it is a great way to celebrate 40 years in teaching.”