Broomfield Hospital staff grew impressive facial hair for charity.

The nine anaesthetic operating department practitioners raised laughs and money for Movember, which encouraged men to grow moustaches in aid of the Prostate Cancer Charity. Nick Archer, of Thresher Rise, Great Notley, was nicknamed Gringo by wife Mel and daughters Lili, five, and Daisi, three, because he apparently resembled a Mexican bandit.

He was also the talk of Notley Green Primary School with parents asking about his moustache.

His colleagues and he also got asked questions around Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, where they work.

The 38-year-old said even patients awaiting operations had their nerves calmed because they could not help but talk about the moustaches.

However, Mr Archer added: “I will be happy to see the back of it. It is really itchy.”

Colleague Simon Tippler started the hairy fashion last year when he took part in Movember and the group hopes to make it an annual event.

Mr Archer said: “The cause is particularly appropriate to us as we regularly come into contact with men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and who are coming to theatre for surgical intervention.”

His team of moustachiod colleagues are Neil Watts, of Stanstrete Field, Great Notley; Paul Knox from Spencer Square, Bocking; Andy Corner from Bradford Street, Braintree; Dave Sketchley from Great Notley; Gary Oldershaw from Clacton; Liam Harris and Ian Edwards from Maldon; Simon Tippler, from Glebe Crescent, Broomfield; Ross Glasson, from Hullbridge and Leon Smolen, from Chelmsford.

They have raised £230 so far. Donations can be made online at http://uk.movember.com Search for Broomfield Theatres Team.