British army ends century-old ban to allow troops to grow beards

Policy change stipulates no patchy or uneven growth' and allows length of up to 25.5mm

After more than a century of having their clean-shaven chins inspected, soldiers and officers in the British army will be allowed to grow beards.

The change in policy is not a chance for a hirsute free-for-all, however, as facial hair will be strictly monitored for length and grooming.