A group is planning to boycott the World Beard and Moustache Championships today - because they believe facial fluff should not be cut and styled.

The biennial event at the Brighton Centre will feature dozens of beard and moustache wearers.

A different country hosts the event as decided by The World Beard and Moustache Association (WBMA).

But the Beard Liberation Front (BLF), an informal pressure group battling against the discrimination of beard wearers, claim the championships are more about the cutting and styling of beards rather than the cultivation of facial fluff.

The differing philosophy on hair growth has meant the BLF is a long standing opponent of the Beard and Moustache Championships.

They are also angry that the event is organised by the Handlebar Club, which does not allow members with beards.

BLF organiser Keith Flett, 50, said: "Most of those attending the Brighton Centre spend far more time fiddling, pruning and in other ways fussing about with their facial hair than they would do if they shaved.

"You do need to look after a beard of course but not to the point of obsession. These people, whatever their intention, give the hirsute a bad name.

"It has an unfortunate impact."

Mr Flett explained the organisation wanted to break down social prejudice he says beard wearers suffer - no matter what style of beard a man chooses to wear, from the organic such as that sported by nature-lover David Bellamy, to the classic stubble worn by Clint Eastwood in his Spaghetti Westerns.

Mr Flett said: "There are companies who won't employ people with beards, they think they have something to hide, but many people who have beards simply don't like shaving.

"There is still a bit of discrimination about and we are still waiting for the first BBC news presenter to sport a beard but unfortunately people with beards are regarded as untrustworthy and that has to change."

Renowned Brighton moustache wearer Michael 'Atters' Attree, hit back at the BLF.

Mr Attree, who sits on the organising committee of the World Beard and Moustache Championship and is also a member of the Handlebar Club, said: "This is utter nonsense and poppycock.

"One's personal grooming is of the utmost importance if they want to be a gentleman.

"Quite often beardies ask me for hirsute advice and I look at their beards and advise them to use wash and go but as far as the BLF are concerned I'll tell them they can just go.

"They are saying we are being too dandy but I'm saying there is nothing wrong with grooming. It is them that are giving us a bad name.

"The World Beard and Moustache Championship is an annual event and often it's a beard club that has been the host. It's not all moustaches, we are just showing the beardies how to do it properly."

The World Beard And Moustache Championships 2007 begins with a parade along the seafront starting at 10.30am from Brighton Town Hall.

Spectator tickets for the main event starting at 1pm can still be bought from the Brighton Centre box office this morning.Entry is £5 per person, £2.50 for children under 16s or £10 per family for two adults and two children.

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