Hull man with one of Britain's best beards eyes world title

Man with Britain's best beard eyes world title

A man with one of Britain's best beards says he wants to continue his winning streak by securing another world title.

Lewis Aylmer, from Hull, defended his title at the British Beard and Moustache Championships in Kilmarnock on Saturday, winning the under 15cm full beard with styled moustache category.

It was the third time he has won the title and he is now focusing on the World Championships in Blackpool next year in a bid to defend the world crown he won in 2025.

"It's crazy to think that I can keep up a standard that everybody seems to like," he said.

The 35-year-old first entered the British competition in 2016, finishing third, before going on to win national titles in 2018, 2024 and this year.

Aylmer said: "It was an incredible day. Going there, it was just kind of see what happens, [to] see if I could defend my title."

The championships feature several categories, including natural, freestyle and creative, with entrants creating designs such as an ice cream bowl moustache and a fairy beard decorated with pine cones.

About 10 people competed in Aylmer's category and he said judges typically look for a handlebar-style moustache with large curls and perfect symmetry.

"There is [criterion] to a point, but it still comes down to what that judge thinks is the standard it should be," he said.

The British and World Championships are held every two years, in alternate years.

In 2025, Aylmer returned from the World Championships in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with the world title, which he will look to defend on home soil in 2027.

Speaking about the event being held in his home country, Aylmer said: "It'll be incredible to be able to have it over here.

"It'll just be nice to see more of the UK guys that can't afford to do all the travelling and stuff like that actually get a chance at such a big stage.

"I think it's going to be incredible."

Aylmer previously said he was bullied for his facial hair at school and said competing had helped him manage anxiety and build confidence.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices