A TREE surgeon from Coventry has reason to be cheerful after scooping second place at the British Beard and Moustache Championships in Liverpool.
Russell Bristow decided to start growing and caring for his moustache after visiting a similar competition in Bath two years ago with a friend.
After viewing some of the nation’s top ‘growers’, the 33-year-old had a crack at growing his own moustache and has since won awards at events across the UK.
The Finham resident has already picked up awards at the Oxford Beardfest, the Central Beardsman and the Cornwall Beard and Moustache Championships – and his latest effort in the British Final on Saturday (October 15) was his biggest achievement so far.
Russell donned a Union Jack suit for the ‘Handlebar Moustache’ competition.
Despite finishing second, he is hopeful he can build on his runner-up prize to scoop gold at next year’s World Championships – which is rumoured to be held in Birmingham.
Speaking to The Observer, Russell said: “My interest started two years ago and at the time I’d just started growing a moustache myself.
“I saw some crazy faces and I fancied having a go at it myself.
“The British Championships is relatively new, but people still fly in from America and Sweden to take part – it’s an international competition.”
The day often comprises of several different competition formats – including Natural, Handlebar, English and Freestyle.
After finishing second in the Handlebar series, Russell said: “The British event is bi-annual and I’ll be aiming to improve on my position in the next round.
“I take a lot of good care of my moustache and I’m certain my outfit helps me achieve high places.
“I wore a Union Jack suit at the weekend – I think it’s better to turn out ‘dressed to impress’.
“The competitions have provided me with a great excuse to travel around and see different parts of the UK.”
