Actor urges men taking part in Decembeard to "be brave, don't shave"

Hollywood hunk Tom Hardy is urging Scots growing a beard this December for charity to keep on going.

The Mad Max actor is the patron of Bowel Cancer UK and is taking part in the Decembeard campaign by being sponsored not to shave for the entire month.

Half way through the month, and reaching that awkward itchy stage, Hardy, who played both Kray twins in recent blockbuster Legend, is telling Scots to "be brave, don’t shave".

Speaking about bowel cancer, which kills 16,000 people each year, Hardy urged men to take part in order to raise awareness of the condition and also funds for research.

He said: “Bowel cancer awareness is too low, so I'm backing Bowel Cancer UK because I want to help change that.

“It's a charity that needs our support to save lives and by taking part in Decembeard, you can make a real difference.”

The campaign is also being supported by Bowel Cancer UK patron Ben Richards, the Hollyoaks actor, who survived bowel cancer.

TV presenter Nick Knowles and funnyman Matt Lucas have tweeted their support.

To find out more about the campaign visit decembearduk.org.