SWINDON town crier Fred Ferris is growing his beard for as long as possible before a charity fundraising shave.

Fred last had a shave on May 8 and plans to have it all off on September 24 at the Moonrakers pub in Cricklade Road to raise cash for the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton.

Wendy Harman, fundraising administrator at the hospice in Moormead Road, said he is delighted with his support.

She said: "It is phenomenal the amount of support we get. Fred does do a brilliant job for us."

Fred said: "The beard's going well at the moment. Hopefully we'll help raise loads of money for the hospice."