TV presenter Noel Edmonds has finally had a close shave on live TV – thanks to the readers of a Devon newspaper.

The former host of Telly Addicts volunteered to have his beard cut off if readers of the Western Morning News could raise £8,000 for the Green Wellies appeal in aid of the county’s farmers.

And on April 27, live on the breakfast show GMTV, Noel finally met his ‘Mach’.

Noel, who lives on a farm in Jacobstowe in Devon, has not been without his beard for 30 years but did not hesistate to offer his support in any way he could.

He said: “It is heartbreaking to see the distress caused to our many farming neighbours and friends at seeing their animals starving because of a shortage of food.”

He added he had not been without a beard throughout his entire television career, but was delighted with the response to the novelty fund-raising idea for the Green Wellies appeal.

Morning News readers responded immediately to Noel’s challenge, with the Devon Freemans putting forward half the sum needed alone.

This followed the £10,000 already donated.

The total amount raised for the campaign to date stands just above £1m, barely a month after the appeal was launched.

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or e-mail us now