IT was all in the name of art which saw a popular vicar shave off his beard on Friday night. The Rev Richard Morgan, from Therfield, waved goodbye to his facial hair to play the part of Toad in the Therfield Thespians production of The Wind in The Willows

IT was all in the name of art which saw a popular vicar shave off his beard on Friday night. The Rev Richard Morgan, from Therfield, waved goodbye to his facial hair to play the part of Toad in the Therfield Thespians production of The Wind in The Willows. Mr Morgan, who is rector of Therfield and Kelshall, said: "I only shave it off very occasionally, I think the last time was eight years ago. "It's very cold without it!" The event also raised money for Therfield and Kelshall's churches and the charity, Rural Extension with Africa's Poor. Mr Morgan was in the spotlight last September when he was named as Country Life magazine's best loved country person. He beat off competition from four other finalists to claim the title. - The Wind in The Willows will be performed at Therfield Village Hall from Thursday January 19-Saturday 21. Performances start at 7.45pm with a matinee performance from 2.30pm on the Saturday. Tickets, which cost £6 for adults and £4 for children, are available from Sylvia Drury on 01763 287554.