TEACHERS turned up for work with comedy beards for a day of fundraising at a school yesterday.

Male staff at Hummersknott School and Language College, in Darlington, had been sponsored to grow the beards over the past three weeks. They were raising money for the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, where two of the school’s pupils have been patients this year.

The teachers arrived at school with their beards shaved into shapes and patterns as part of the school’s Christmas fun day.

Pupils also got in on the act, including Max Lovell, a year nine student who had his long curly hair shaved, raising more than £400.

Others paid to go to school in casual dress, with additional payments for wearing novelty hats.

A school spokeswoman said: “It was a really fun day, and we hope that the events raised in the region of £2,000 for this worthwhile cause.”