STROKE your chin – beards are welcome in the Army – so long as they are well kept.

The move, which came after a change in directives, means soldiers and officers can now sport beards and moustaches.

However, the facial hair must be neat, properly groomed and will be routinely checked.

The Army is the last of the armed forces to allow facial hair, following the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

It has been welcomed by MP Andrew Murrison (Con, South West Wiltshire) – himself a Royal Navy veteran and reservist, as well as Minister for Defence People.

Dr Murrison, whose constituency includes the garrison town of Warminster, said: “Beards are much more common these days among young men who may be thinking of joining the Army than a generation ago.

“Facial hair may be a small thing, but I don’t want any good people being put off the Army by unnecessary rules.

“Potential reservists in particular may wonder why they would have to be clean shaven 365 days a year when they are on duty for just five weeks.”