HIPSTERS and rockers sporting beards are urged to shave them off to raise money for the county’s hospices.

They are being encouraged to return to the razor in 2017 to help Friends of Sussex Hospices and the hospices caring for adults and children across Sussex.

Among those coming clean will be Henry Brooks, son of the landlord of the Laughing Fish pub in Isfield, near Lewes.

His bar manager James Pearson will also be shaving off his long ginger sideburns and they hope regulars will join in.

Henry will part with his whiskers on his 30th birthday on Tuesday next week.

He said: “The start of this idea was a drunken agreement among friends and family that I should shave my beard off, a matter that I have been very stubborn about for a long time.

“At the Laughing Fish we have held a number of events for Friends of Sussex Hospices.

“I appreciate the fact that they support all 12 hospices in Sussex, a cause I believe to be an extremely good and worthwhile one.

“Anyone who knows me will know that I am very protective over my hair and beard and so will appreciate this is a very big step.

“Let’s make it worthwhile and raise as much money as possible for a worthy cause.”

Anyone who wants to take part in the shave with Henry should contact him at the Laughing Fish.

Money raised can go directly to a local hospice or to Friends of Sussex Hospices to distribute.

Kathy Gore, chairwoman of FSH, which has so far raised more than £1.7 million, said: “It would be fantastic if every man whose beard is no longer hip would support us.

“It’s a small sacrifice that would make a big difference for people having hospice care.”

You can sponsor Henry at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Henry-Brooks.