A university academic is going to spend three years studying the history of beards.

Dr Alun Withey, an expert in medical history from the University of Exeter, will look at facial hair between 1700 and 1918 and its relationship with masculinity and health, as well as the changes in shaving technology.

Dr Alun Withey will look at facial hair between 1700 and 1918 and its relationship with masculinity and health

It is believed to be the first academic study of facial hair and is being funded by medical research charity the Wellcome Trust.