A Melbourn barber will be reenacting a famous moment in Ulysses to raise money for charity.

Tony Perretta will shave off his beard in a nod to the opening scene of the novel in which plump stately Buck Mulligan shaves outdoors at the top of the Martello Tower, Sandycove, Dublin.

The beard shave is part of the Melbourn Bloomsday Celebration being held on Tuesday to raise money for Water Aid. The charity helps poor communities across the world get clean water.

Tony, who owns The Barber Shop in Little Lane, said: “I thought doing this here in Melbourn would be a good way to raise some money for WaterAid – as well as promoting reading and the work of James Joyce.

“My mother-in-law is Irish. I’m not saying she dated James Joyce or even knew him at any time – but hey this is Ireland we’re talking about here. Maybe knowing Joyce is why she had to leave Ireland – who knows? Seriously, we’re really talking about WaterAid.”

The event – held on the date the novel is set – will include reenactments from key scenes in the book.

For more information, contact Hugh Pollock, group co-ordinator, on 01763 260253 or email hugh.m.pollock@gmail.com.