KENDAL'S Mayor has braved the shave this weekend to raise awareness for two very important charities.

Douglas Rathbone, had been a familiar face around Kendal, sporting a foot-long set of whiskers before a close shave with one of the town's barbers.

Cllr Rathbone had been looking forward to the new look.

He said: "It is now time for the beard to come off and to use this milestone as a way to raise money and awareness of my charities.

"These are 'Christians against poverty,' which provides free debt help with practical support in local community groups.

"Secondly, the 'Well Communities,' which gives practical live-in support to those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

"Last Saturday I was at the Birdcage on Finkle Street, where a barber endeavoured to remove the beard in public."

Christians against poverty say on their website: "We are here to restore hope for those who are lost and hurting.

"In partnership with incredible local churches across the UK, we’re bringing life-changing freedom and good news to people in desperate need."

The Well Communities say on their website that: "Support is free to members and is provided by staff and volunteers with 'lived experience' of addiction.

"The team also specialises in providing support to people with mental health issues, offending behaviour, childhood trauma, learning difficulties, domestic abuse, and homelessness."

This year the group that has a base in Barrow, got permission to set up in Kendal.

The Well Communities were granted £2,000 by Kendal Town Council, towards the opening of a new centre in the town for addiction help.

David Higham, CEO of the charity, believes that the service is needed now in Kendal. He said: " Having that safe space in Kendal will give better guarantees of being able to help Kendolians with addictions."

Cllr Rathbone added "We're on our way to raising £700 for these two charities and I ask you to take time to learn more about them on capuk.org for Christians against poverty, and www.thewellcommunities.co.uk for drug and alcohol addiction.

"Those wanting to give can go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mayorofkendal."