MALE staff members at The Dean Academy in Lydney grew a ‘tash’ for cash to help raise more than £400 for the Movember Foundation.

The foundation is a leading charity that addresses some of the biggest health issues facing men.

Teaching and non-teaching staff members across the school joined in and grew some very impressive moustaches in November to help raise awareness of issues both mental and physical.

A variety of activities were organised throughout the month including a special assembly for boys in years nine, 10 and 11 where health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health were openly discussed.

Fundraising events at the school included a non-uniform day and the sale of a special Movember calendar which features staff who participated in growing a moustache for the month.

Mr Craig Palmer, the pastoral lead at the school who organised the events explained: “In 2003 I found out my dad had cancer, – he was lucky enough to catch it early and he made it through his treatment,.

“If he hadn’t visited the doctor when he did he might not be here now.

“Not everybody is as lucky as my dad and not every man is open to talking about their health issues.

“So a group of male staff decided to grow moustaches in November to trigger some open conversations about health issues surrounding boys and men,” he added.

“I hope the exposure to this will keep our young men happy, healthy and informed well into adulthood.”