A weekly newspaper journalist is growing his beard for a month in aid of a bowel cancer charity.

Ashley Booker, pictured left, acting head of content at the Derbyshire Times, is taking part in Beating Bowel Cancer’s Decembeard project, which sees participants do away with shaving throughout the month of December.

Friends and family are encouraged to sponsor participants to undertake the challenge, reminiscent of the Movember project which sees men grow moustaches during November in aid of men’s health charities.

Bowel cancer is the second biggest killer of men and women in the UK and is the most common cause of death in men after lung cancer.

Said Ashley: “I was surprised to hear so many people die from bowel cancer and that many of these deaths could be prevented if people did their home screening tests, or got themselves checked out when they show symptoms that could indicate they have a problem.

“I can grow quite a good beard and thought it was a good way to raise awareness of a disease that kills more people than it should.”

To get involved or donate to the charity, click here.