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MARK East has the best moustache in Britain – and that’s official.
The security expert from Arborfield won two titles at the fourth biannual British Beard and Moustache Championships held in Blackpool this week.
Mark, 57, took the Handlebar Moustache class and was then named Best in Show, beating hundreds of competitors from around the world.
“I was absolutely flabbergasted to win Best Handlebar Moustache but to become Best in Show was absolutely amazing,” said Mark.
“The winners from each of the 21 categories were then invited back on stage for the judges to name the overall winner.
“I looked along the line and there were some amazing moustaches and beards. We were all given a number, mine was 10, and when they called that out, I just stood there.
“I couldn’t believe it was me, then someone shouted, ‘It’s you, Mike.’ It was an amazing feeling.”
Mark started growing a beard when he was just 16 and working on farms around Oxford. He said whiskers helped protect him from the elements but it was only in 2010 that he started to trim his beard and moustache.
“I heard about a club called The Handlebar Club which was started in 1947 by RAF pilots.
“We meet once a month in London and have members from all over the world.
“I spend 15 minutes every morning shampooing and conditioning my moustache then I gently wax it. Lots of people stop me in the street and ask me if its real and tell me how much they like it.
“Some days if I am at home, I’ll just let it hang naturally but I always make sure it looks its best when I go out.”
Mark’s job in the security industry for film and television means he often meets celebrities who also comment on his wonderful whiskers.
“Johnny Vegas loved it and wanted to know what kind of car I drove. I told him the only suitable vehicle would be a Range Rover which he found very funny.
“A good moustache has to be well balanced on either side. I shave around it but I don’t dye it. It’s all natural with just an occasional little trim.”
He now hopes to take part in the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Antwerp next year.
“It will be an honour to go there as a British Champion and I hope I can bring the world title back home.”
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