Soldiers from the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers have grown beards in support of Legacy to raise more money for serving and ex-service personnel and their families.

Orderly room Sergeant Mark Hall said he had run a similar fundraiser previously at his unit in Bandiana and hopes to make it bigger, better and hairier next year.

“There were 39 who grew beards from Armidale, Muswellbrook and Tamworth,” he said.

“They were all pretty good beards. We raised about $2000, but we’re hoping to better that next year.”

The serving personnel had to get special permission from the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Adam King, to grow their facial hair.

“Next year I’m going to try for two months, lead it up to Movember,” Sergeant Hall said.

“We want to support Legacy because of the support theyoffer to wounded soldiers, their widows and serving members as well. That’s the main one we usually support, and it’s Legacy Week, August 23 to-30, as well, so we wanted to lead it into Legacy Week.”

Sergeant Hall said about three-quarters of the members had never been allowed to grow a beard before, so this was their first facial hair.