POLICEMAN Andy List, who spent ten months growing an impressive beard, has raised an equally impressive amount by having half of it shaved off.

PC List from Devizes thought he might raise a few pounds for Cancer Research UK with his challenge but his JustGiving page has now topped £800.

The former regimental sergeant major in the Military Police, who joined Wiltshire Police in 2005, has played down his endeavours but has thanked everyone who has supported the cause.

He lost his mum to cancer aged 17 and his dad to the disease when he was 21 and said nearly everyone he knows has seen someone affected by the disease.

PC List, who is now based in Trowbridge, said: "I haven't jumped out of a plane in my undies with a hanky for parachute, I am not climbing Everest in my PE kit nor have I volunteered to be bitten by venomous snakes.

"However, it's for a brilliant cause, Cancer Research UK. I lost both my parents at an early age to this horrible illness and I know many of you have been affected in far worse and far more recent ways."

He said he was staggered by the amount raised and thanked everyone who had donated either through JustGiving or via collection pots that are in many shops and businesses in Devizes.

He said: "For me it was as much about raising awareness as money but I couldn't believe how it gained legs."

He said former colleagues in the military police had been particularly supportive. But his partner was not too sure about the shave. He said: "She liked me with the beard but as it was for charity she gave her blessing."

He underwent the razor at Mikey's barbers in Devizes on Monday and he thanked owner Mike Harford for his support. He said: "I have known Andy for years so when he asked if we would do it I readily agreed."

He was given permission by Wiltshire Police to take part in the fundraising but now plans to shave off the other half of the beard by the end of the week ready for returning to work.

To support him go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Andy-Listbeard