A DENTIST is set to cultivate his moustache for the next six months in a bid to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

Dr Djalil Shabahang , manager at Country Park Dental Practice, Highwoods, Colchester, is normally clean shaven.

But patients will notice the epic growth evolve before he shaves it off at the beginning of January.

Dr Shabahang, 61, started to grow the moustache about three weeks ago.

Donations can be made at the surgery and an online JustGiving page will be set up in the next few days while approximately £90 has been raised so far.

Dr Shabahang said: "I have never had any facial hair in my life because personally I don't like it but I wanted to do something different.

"I chose the charity because it seems like every week people coming into the surgery are affected by cancer.

"In their notes there are alway so many references to it, or it might be they have lost a husband, wife, son or daughter.

"Whether it be young or old it is absolutely heartbreaking and is something I am finding everyday.

"We are hoping to raise £3,000 and my staff are helping me a lot."