Restaurant owner Brendan Huttick is getting behind the cause of men's health this month.

With his wife Elisha, he's made the Lemon Tree Cafe, on Queen Street, a venue for the launch of 'Movember' — the monthlong moustache-growing pledge to raise money for men's health.

It starts at 5.30 p.m. today with volunteers getting a clean shave by Jeanette Morrison and Helen Stirling of the Cutting Room barbershop.

Mr Hutticks is one of those losing his facial hair today — and getting sponsored to grow a moustache for Movember.

He said: "Cancer is a horrible disease. Everybody knows somebody who's had it.

"Health is something men don't pay enough attention to. They're afraid of going to the doctor, afraid of being told they've got something — I include myself in this.

"I say enough is enough. When you see people going down because of illness, then it's time to get the word out there. Men need to get checkups and look after themselves."

Getting a clean shave holds no terror for Mr Huttick: "What I've got right now is just a week's growth."

He said he left the clean-shaven look behind once he left the hotel industry. Mr. Huttick remains undecided as to a style of moustache. Whatever grows, however, he expects to have plenty of it.

"I'm going to tweak and twist it as much as I can, get it curly, throw on some gel. If I can get it long enough I'll wear beads on it."