A PUB landlord is just itching to get to the barbers after spending three weeks growing a beard for charity.

Kevin McEneaney, of the Black Horse, in Banbury Road, Kidlington, is one of hundreds of people across the county who will be doing something today to raise money for the BBC's annual Children in Need appeal.

The 27-year-old father-of-two said: "The beard is just horrible. You don't know yourself, it itches, it's not nice at all - and you get food stuck in it. I can't think why anyone would want to grow one. It's been agony."

Mr McEneaney has arranged for a barber to be at the pub to shave off both his beard and his hair at 10pm today.

He has already raised £300 and hopes to raise more than £400 by charging everyone who wants to have a hand in getting rid of his excess hair.

He said: "I just want to give something back to our community."

Wendy Lloyd, 21, along with four friends, has already raised more than £800 by hosting a party at Abingdon Town Football Club.

Miss Lloyd, who works in the creche at the town's White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, said: "I wanted to do something a bit different and we are at this age where everyone likes going out so I thought that would be a good idea. And it was - we even ran out of alcohol."

The campaign sees people all over Britain raise money for charities which help disadvantaged children and young people. Last year the appeal raised more than £17m on the night it was broadcast on BBC1, and much more in the following weeks.

As part of the appeal, visitors to the Oxford Castle complex last weekend were offered a tour of the old Crown Court and cells, while last week in Thame, golfers teed off to raise funds.

In Wallingford, the town's dentists will walk to Didcot, and members of the Rotary Club will be out collecting.

Renault's Formula 1 motor racing team, based at Enstone, is also getting into the spirit and will be training in fancy dress.

For more information go to www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey

  • Are you fundraising? Let us know what you are doing today. Call 01865 425427 and e-mail or text pictures (messages are free) and a description of your event to us at picturedesk@nqo.com or 07834 487010.