MONTHS of mickey taking has finally paid off for one Kingswinford man who is baring his chin once again after shaving off his giant beard for charity.

Mark Clouston, the director of Wolverhampton-based firm Mortgage Bureau, visited the Wall Heath branch of Jimmy Trims barbers this week, to put an end to his non shaving feat.

Only 12 months ago Mark had a smooth face, even free from stubble, but he managed to grow a beard that was so extreme, it completely transformed his appearance.

He spent the last year growing out the fabulous facial hair with the sole purpose of having it shaved off to raise funds for Little Hearts Matters (LHM), a charity that supports families when their baby is born with half a working heart.

He said: “Little Hearts Matter has been Mortgage Bureau's nominated charity for the last three or four years.

“We know how important regular financial support is to smaller charities, so tend to have an event every year on top of our regular support.

“I'm now too old and unfit to do physical challenges, so having the Mickey taken out of me for 12 months was a small price to pay in order to raise awareness for LHM.”

Mark has now raised more than £1,600 for the charity, but there is still time for people to add to his total in support of the cause.

Bal Kainth, senior fundraiser at Little Hearts Matter, said: “Mark is fantastic and we are thoroughly impressed with his beard and his fundraising efforts.

“Mortgage Bureau has been fantastic over the past years and we are so grateful.”

Dudley News:

Mark after the shave, with barber David from Jimmy Trims in Wall Heath

To donate to Little Hearts Matter and increase Mark’s current total, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkClouston