IT'S that time of year again when men banish razors in favour of growing the best moustaches possible.

Men have been growing their facial hair in aid of Movember to raise awareness and funds for prostate and testicular cancer and other charities.

Participants across North Yorkshire are expected to have raised tens of thousands of pounds so far, with further events planned this weekend to mark the end of the month-long challenge.

In York on Sunday an annual bike ride in aid of Movember starts at the Minster and goes through York's paths and parks. Starting at 1pm (but beginning to gather from 12pm), it is open to everyone wearing moustaches - either grown, painted or stuck on.

The third annual event has been organised by Fulford Cycles whose online sales and events coordinator Dean Shepperd lost his father to cancer.

Sarah Coghlan, UK country director of Movember, said: "Due to the Movember campaign, there is now more funding into prostate cancer research than there ever has been before, and this year we’ve also raised vital funds to go towards men’s mental health for the first time in the UK.

"It has been heartening and exciting to see our community respond so vocally to the mental health messages we have introduced this campaign. There is a clear and growing recognition amongst the public that men’s mental health is a significant issue that needs to be addressed, and a real desire to help improve the outlook for men in this respect."

Elsewhere, North Yorkshire Police have customised their cars with stick-on moustaches and officers, including Deputy Chief Constable TimMadgwick and officers in the West of York, have been taking part in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

When clergy members from Brayton church decided to grow moustaches for Movember, they said they didn’t expect women in the congregation to join in. The Revd Pete Watson and Revd Richard Battersby, from St Wilfrid’s church, were surprised on Sunday morning when female members wore fake moustaches in support of the pair’s fundraising.

Carol Sowden, churchwarden, said, “When Pete read out the notice about his fundraising at the end of church, we all put our moustaches on and stood up to support them. It’s a bit of a laugh, but I hope it raises attention for a good cause.”

At the University of York those taking part include Jim Cadwallender, an IT support analyst, who is fundraising for a mental health charity. York City footballers Keith Lowe and Luke Summerfield have also grown striking moustaches.

Meanwhile, an annual ticketed Movember whisky tasting is being held by The Whisky Lounge at Brigantes in Micklegate tonight.