Eavis pips Castro to top beard gong, by a whisker

Michael Eavis edged out former Cuban leader Fidel Castro to win the finest beard of the decade.

The 74-year-old's strong, Abraham Lincoln-esque facial trim, with notable missing 'tache was honoured for having the ''Beard of the Noughties'' by beard campaign group, the Beard Liberation Front (BLF).

The short list of hairy heroes also included former ministers Charles Clarke and Frank Dobson and poet and broadcaster Michael Rosen.

The accolade was decided upon after an intense discussion between about 200 members. And in the end there was nothing Castro could do to win the vote.

Organiser Keith Flett said: ''The list covered a range of those whose beards have made a distinctive and sustained contribution to public life over the last 10 years.

''Both Eavis and Castro have taken a back seat towards the end of the decade but their beards remain iconic.

''Michael Eavis is a true hirsute icon of the Noughties and he beat Castro to the accolade by the merest whisker.''

Previous winners of the annual version of the award include Monty Panesar and Robert Plant.