WEST Devon animal lovers can do their bit to help build a new pet hospital by sponsoring the beard growth of a Plymouth vet.

PDSA senior vet Robert Newcombe (pictured right) has pledged not to shave his beard again until the charity opens the doors to its new £2 million PetAid hospital.

Robert, notorious amongst his colleagues and pet patients for his clean shaven appearance, said: 'Building work has now begun on the new hospital, but there is still some way to go to reach our fundraising target and equip the facility. So I'm growing a sponsored beard, and I hope that the pet owners and animal lovers of Plymouth will support me and make a donation towards our Pet Hospital Appeal.'

The new hospital, located on Plymouth International Medical and Technology Park close to Derriford Hospital, will replace the current PDSA premises on Durnford Street, giving the charity capacity to treat the ever-increasing number of pets desperately needing its help. Over the past five years, demand for PDSA's charitable services in the city has increased by 40%.

Jo Westerman, PDSA's regional fundraising manager, said: 'Robert knows first-hand that our existing pet hospital can no longer cope with the demand placed upon it. I'm not sure what his family will think if his new look, but his efforts are admirable. The new site will make a huge difference to pets and their owners, so I hope people will dig deep and support him.'

Donations can be taken or sent to the existing PDSA PetAid hospital in Durnford Street or donated via http://www.justgiving.com/RobertNewcombe-Beardathon">www.justgiving.com/RobertNewcombe-Beardathon.

 For more information about how to help the PDSA's Pet Hospital Appeal contact Jo Westerman on 01752 229619, email [email protected]">[email protected] or visit http://www.pdsa.org.uk/build">www.pdsa.org.uk/build