Michael Eavis beats Fidel Castro to best beard title

They are both revolutionary characters inspiring cult followings across the world but when it came to best beard of the decade music festival supremo Michael Eavis edged out former Cuban leader Fidel Castro - by a whisker.

The 74-year-old Glastonbury founder, instantly recognisable for his moustache-less Abraham Lincoln-esque facial hair, was honoured for having the ''Beard of the Noughties'' by beard campaign group, the Beard Liberation Front (BLF).

The BLF, an informal network of beard wearers, said 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.''