Fant-tash-tic A and E team

People are being advised to steer clear of attending their local accident and emergency department to avoid a serious moustache fright. 48 male staff at University Hospital of North Staffordshire's emergency department have signed up to take part in Movember. It's a special challenge for men to grow a handlebar moustache in aid of The Prostate Cancer Charity throughout November.

Dr Mark Poulson, consultant in emergency medicine, said: "The rules are simple, start Movember 1st clean shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month. The moustache becomes the ribbon for men's health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men. I've had plenty of funny looks from patients, relatives and staff. Once they see a lot of the male staff with varying shapes of moustache they realise it's not just a strange facial hair fashion craze."

Dr Saleem Riaz, middle grade doctor in emergency medicine, said: "We've registered this year as a group in wholehearted support of the charity. To have 48 people sign up for our 'UHNS ED' team is a great return and show of support. There are members from all reaches of the multi-disciplinary family; doctors, nurses, radiographers, paramedics, porters and security officers. We would appreciate anyone who is willing to support our cause and raise money for prostate cancer research."

Dr Magnus Harrison, clinical lead & consultant in emergency medicine, said: "Unfortunately for one or two of my colleagues they could spend an entire year, let alone a month, trying to grow a moustache and still not succeed. Thankfully my moustache has really taken off and I’m quite proud of it to be honest. Though I can assure everyone who comes to the accident & emergency department after Wednesday 1 December will not have to suffer the sight of 48 men with ghastly moustaches."

For more information or to make a donation visit http://uk.movember.com/ and search for UHNS ED.