By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 10:48, Friday, 12 June 2009

Retired businessman Keith Jefferson is celebrating this week after his 28cm moustache won him second place in the world championships.

Keith Jefferson and his moustache

• Video: Keith and his moustache

The former Pink Panther Records owner from Carlisle flew to Alaska for the World Beard and Moustache Championships – described as the Miss World of the beard and moustache world.

Keith, 61, of Warwick Road, said: “It was great fun parading around showing off my moustache.”

More than 200 competitors from 12 countries took part, displaying everything from delicate Salvador Dali-style moustaches to bushy full beards.

Keith, whose moustache measures 28cm (11in) from tip to tip, decided to enter after becoming a member of The Handlebar (Moustache) Club – an International club for men with moustaches.

He said: “I’ve always been a fan of beards and moustaches ever since The Beatles came back from India. I’ve had a moustache since about 1966.

“I am a great fan of the TV programme Eggheads and a group of men from The Handlebar Club were on that. I decided to join and enter the competition.

“I don’t think my wife believed me.”

Keith entered the Natural Moustache Category along with 13 other competitors.

He dressed up as a Jacobite for the contest in honour of his Scottish roots.

He said: “In the class that I entered you are not allowed any artificial or styling aids. The moustache has to be completely natural.”

Keith flew to Alaska via Paris and arrived a few days before the competition.

“I went to The Handlebar Club AGM in Edinburgh in April and made some friends so I had plenty of people to talk to.

“My family and friends were really surprised when I told them I came second. I don’t think they were expecting it.

“One of my biggest supporters is my hairdresser Monty of Sweeney’s in Carlisle. Although my moustache is self styled he cuts my hair. He was so excited before I went. He took photos of me in his shop.”

Keith won a gold pan for coming second.

He said: “It’s about the size of a dessert plate and it is inscribed.”

The next World Beard and Moustache Championships take place on May 17, 2011 in Trondheim, Norway – and yes, Keith plans to enter.

“I might have to get my moustache trimmed before then but I’d like to enter as it’s a bit closer to home,” he said.

First published at 05:11, Friday, 12 June 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk