“Having sported facial hair of some description for most of my adult life, it was in 2007 that I came to an agreement with my beard: if it didn't bother me, I wouldn't bother it.

“Since that time I've neither cut nor trimmed it and we long ago settled into a very happy life together.

“Now collecting my state pension after a working life on and around Poole Harbour.

These days I travel the country performing at Folk Clubs and Sea Festivals as one half of the duo Alongshore. ”