A SCARBOROUGH soldier is raising money for charity by growing a beard while he is serving in Afghanistan.

Pte Tim Gargan, 23, would normally have to be clean-shaven but his officers made the exception because he promised to raise cash for the Army Benevolent Fund.

He said: “It’s really long and I keep getting bits caught in it. The local kids torture me about it and I’ve still got half of tonight’s dinner in it.

“The last I heard I’ve raised about 180 quid which I’m really pleased about.”

He is hoping to raise £1000 for the cause and the facial hair will be shaved off in Headers, in Scarborough, after his tour finishes later this year.

Pte Gargan joined 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) in 2006 because it was his local regiment and said he was enjoying his time in Afghanistan – at a patrol base in the Sangin district.

And he wanted to send a special message to his family including his mum Mary, dad Tim, brother Jack, 20, and sister Bethany, 15.

He said: “I’ve heard the weather’s been minging back home. At least I’m getting a sun tan out here. I’m sorry I wasn’t there over Christmas and am looking forward to seeing you all in February.”

His father said he was proud of his son’s efforts while in Afghanistan and the money would be going to a good cause. He said: “Indeed this is the biggest beard in the British army at present.”

From The Scarborough Evening News on Thursday, January 10, 2008.