A bookseller has raised more than £1,200 for a charity which supports young refugees by shaving off his distinctive beard.

Patrick Marrin, who owns long-standing Folkestone business Marrin's Bookshop in Sandgate Road, says he is delighted with his new look after losing his facial fuzz on Monday.

He has worn a beard for most of the past 50 years, but was happy to go clean shaven for a good cause.

He said: "I'm delighted with its success. I've had lots of lovely messages and people getting in touch.

"I think I will keep the clean shave for a while...until I get bored and then can grow it for charity."

The idea to lose his facial hair came after Mr Marrin joked with Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) project coordinator Bridget Chapman about raising cash for similarly bearded airline boss Richard Branson.

But when Ms Chapman suggested the shave could be an opportunity to raise much-needed funds for KRAN he agreed to start the fundraising effort.

He is a big supporter of the charity, partly due to his family heritage.

The 66-year-old said: "My ancestors were Huguenot refugees who came to the UK around 300 years ago. I believe they also brought magnificent beards with them.

"And so, at this time of global change, I am undertaking the challenge of an unimaginable transformation in order to raise funds for the exceptionally vital work of Kent Refugee Action Network.

"I have my own refugee heritage, it may be a long time ago, but I have always felt strongly for outsiders and the excluded.

"These young people are taking their lives in their hands to get to this country and they should be welcomed."

Mr Marrin's online fundraising page has now reached £1,335, passing his £1,000 target.

The cash will be used by KRAN to support young unaccompanied asylum seekers who have recently arrived in the county and need extra help during the lockdown.

Many of the young people who work with the charity are accommodated three or four to a small flat, often without outside space or WiFi, making their experience of social isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic all the more difficult.

Food has been donated by individuals and businesses in Folkestone to help keep the young people fed, and extra money raised will help pay for mobile phone top-ups to keep them connected with their support networks.

KRAN is also hoping to invest in more resources for English language lessons during the lockdown.

Ms Chapman added: "It's really important that we have got some positive news at the moment.

"Every cloud has it's silver lining, and this situation is bringing out the best in people and our community has rallied round to help everyone."

Donate to the fundraising appeal here.

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