Staff at Rickmansworth School are taking a novel approach to charity fund-raising this month by doing absolutely nothing.

Many of the school's male teachers are marking the renamed month of Movemeber by growing a "mo" - formerly known as a moustache - in competition with each other.

Made trendy in the eighties by the likes of Tom Selleck, the soup strainer will make a welcome return to the school with all proceeds going towards the Prostate Cancer Charity.

Economics teacher and Croxley Green district councillor Roger Seabourne is one of those taking part.

The 56-year-old, of Bateman Road, said he had a speical interest in the fundraiser.

He said: "I've just found out that my brother-in-law has the disease and had been given a very short time to live by his doctors.

"I'm also at the age where the risk of this condition increases greatly.

"We've had great support so far and raised more than £500 already.

"Apparently some of the female staff are taking part as well, but I'm not sure I want to know how."

The fundraising began on Wednesday, when all participants shaved their top lips for the last time.

Performance enhancing substances are, of course, banned, but theories abound about how to increase the rate of growth.

Mr Seabourne added: "Perhaps I could rub some fertiliser under my nose or something."

The results of the contest - sponsored by friends, family and pupils - will be announced at the end of the month.