BEARD enthusiasts from all over the country are plucking and pruning their facial fuzz in final preparations for their most highly anticipated event of the year.

Purveyors of the nation's finest beards and moustaches will converge on the Tap Social Movement in North Hinksey Lane in Oxford on Saturday October 7 for the fourth annual Oxford Beard Festival.

Competitors will go head-to-head in hotly-contested categories including biggest beard, curliest and straightest moustache, favourite bearded character and least mess in a beard after eating the messiest food.

Women and children not blessed with beards of their own can also get involved in the best handmade beard competition.

Behind the furry festivities are Sue Higgins and Faith King from Long Wittenham, near Didcot.

The mother and daughter team were inspired to start their own beard festival after watching the United States TV programme Whisker Wars.

Ms Higgins, 49, said: "We have always liked beards. I think they give a face a lot of character.

"It's not laziness, it actually takes an incredible amount of time and money to maintain a proper beard.

"We keep being told that it is a hipster thing and the fashion is over but for the people who come it's more of a way of life."

Last year's event saw beards inspired by the style of W.G Grace and Leo Tolstoy attract plaudits.

And this year, Ms Higgins' father is specially growing a Jeremy Corbyn style beard for the occasion.

Muttonchop champion Mick Wallage, a recent winner at the world beard and moustache competition, is also expected to make an appearance.

Other activities for beard fans will run throughout the day from noon until late.

A full day's programme of live music is planned including bands Giant Elf Fist and Country for Old Men.

It's all in aid of the Oxford Food Bank, a charity that collects and distributes food from companies that would otherwise be wasted.

The food is donated to charities who work with people who are homeless or experiencing mental health problems.

Ms Higgins, who works looking after children, said: "There's such a brilliant community out there. The people are so friendly and welcoming, it's such a laugh and all for an important cause.

"Eventually we'd love to start a local group for more regular meet ups and we want more people from Oxford to come along this year to help get this started."

To enter any, or all, of the competition's categories costs £10, spectators are £5 and children are free. Payment on the door, with no need to book in advance.