A BUTCHER inspired to 'put Rhosllanerchrugog on the map' recently finished runner-up at the British Beard and Moustache Championships.

Held in Rugby on Saturday, August 27, that was the fifth edition of the competition.

It raised over £5,000 for the Lions Barber Collective charity which supports suicide prevention.

Among the competitors, and taking second place overall, was Rhos man Simeon Thomas.

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The 40-year-old, who works as a butcher by day, is in his first year of competing.

But having taken part in three competitions to date, he already has six trophies to his name, including 'Best in Show' at Opies Bear Fest in Reading.

Talking about why he chose to start growing his beard and moustache out, Simeon said: "Growing a beard seemed a manly thing to do and the more people told me to shave as it started getting longer the more my resolve came to grow it bigger.

"Then I saw the world beard champs on YouTube and said I’m going to do that and put Rhosllanerchrugog on the map. Because we’re a tiny village in Wales and everyone said I was crazy and there’s no way.

"So, I was over the moon to finish runner-up in the British comp as there were people who had come to compete from all over the world - it was a very tough competition."

The Leader:

PIC: Simeon Thomas, who hails from Rhosllanerchrugog, and officially has one of the most impressive beard and moustache combos in the UK.

Simeon's long ginger beard measures an impressive 22 inches and the accompanying moustache is the same length tip-to-tip.

He says it took four years to grow it to that stage. 

Next up now for Simeon is the Beardon comp in October before a trip to the World Championships in Germany in 2023.

Simeon added: "My best tip for growing a competitive beard is don’t trim it. You can’t trim your way to a big beard you just have to leave it grow its own way and be patient.

"Also use quality beard care products from small manufacturers. They are by far the best. I’m fortunate enough to be endorsed by a beard care company so if you bump into me I’ll be more than happy to give you a discount code and some beard care advice.

"Also, for everyone that asks daily it took four years to grow, it's a bit like training for the Olympics! Oh and yes I do know who ZZ Top are!

"I also have to say a big thanks to my wife Gemma Thomas because without her support there’s no way I would have been able to complete this journey. Behind every great beardsman there’s a very understanding and supportive wife!"