THEY are used to facing extremes in their working life, so firefighters aren’t finding their latest fundraising challenge too hairy.

Handlebar moustaches, fully-grown beards and stubble are just some of the facial hair firefighters on Basildon’s green watch are sporting in aid of Movember.

They are joining leagues of people up and down the country to take part in the fundraising month, which sees people growing moustaches to raise cash and awareness for prostate cancer.

But this year the charity event holds special significance for the men and women of green watch after their former sub-officer, Bill Newton, was diagnosed with the illness.

Bill, who is undergoing treatment, retired in September 2005, but still regularly keeps in touch with his former colleagues.

All the green watch firefighters, as well as other crews at Basildon fire station, are growing facial hair to support their former boss and to help raise cash for the cause.

Even female firefighter Linda West is taking part, after shaving a moustache shape into her hair.

Firefighter Andy Haswell said: “Over the last couple of years Basildon, as a station, has taken part in Movember.

“But this year, when Bill was diagnosed, we wanted to really make an effort.

“He was really pleased and quite touched we are doing it. He really is a lovely bloke.”

So far, the hair-growing efforts of the firefighters are proving a hit, with the old-fashioned handlebar moustache being sported by several of Basildon’s finest.

Andy added: “A lot of the guys are looking really good.

“My moustache is not so fantastic. If I went for a run it would fly off.”

To support the firefighters, you can pledge cash via uk.movember.com/mospace/ 1939012/ or donations can be made at the fire station in Great Oaks, Basildon.