This month men up and down the country have been ditching their razors and growing moustaches in aid of Movember.

Now the craze has hit Highgate as traders in the village adopt the whiskered look to help raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer.

On Friday, their facial hair – which ranges from trim ’taches to full-blown handlebars – will be judged.

The best bristles will win a wet shave at hairdressers BBC3 Hair Studios in Highgate High Street as well as a scarf from Highgate Knitters.

Mark Newton, of Taylor Gibbs estate agent, said: “I initially decided to grow a mo for Movember in memory of my father who died from various complications related to Parkinson’s and to raise awareness of this terrible disease.

“At the same time it was suggested that both myself and my colleague, Miles Ponder, grow a mo in aid of prostate and testicular cancer to which we both readily agreed.

“We started a little later than other people but I feel we have done really well so far and we are in contention to win.”

The contest was organised by Highgate Village Business Association.

Judges on the day include owner of BBC3 Hair Studios, Vaso Louca, Chris Satanas from Highgate business Digital Eden, who sports the trucker-inspired handlebar moustache look, as well as Ham&High reporter Tara Brady.