A MAN has shaved off his beard for the first time in 14 years to raise money for a minibus appeal at his son's school.

Llew Owen, from Brotton, raised more than £125 in sponsorship towards St Peter's Church of England Primary School's appeal for a 17-seater minibus, which is expected to cost about £20,000.

It took 45 minutes to remove the 66-year-old's beard and moustache, which were shaved off at Brotton Working Men's Club. The club contributed £50 to the total.

Mr Owen's wife, Jackie, said their 11-year-old son, John, was very proud of his father.

She said: "Llew says he feels a bit different now with all the beard gone, but he's not sure whether he'll keep it short or not."

Headteacher of the school in Brotton, John Stinson, said: "The minibus will be very well used. We have 25 special needs children bussed in to the school from around the borough of Redcar and Cleveland, and they, too, will be able to benefit from the new minibus.

"The next fundraising event we are going to hold will probably be a Christmas raffle."

In July, Mr Stinson raised £1,000 for the appeal when he had his moustache shaved off.

Anyone wanting to donate money to the appeal can contact the school on (01287) 676210.