December 28, 2007 11:33

Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant named 'beard of the year'

Singer picks up annual award for facial fuzz

Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant has been named the “beard of the year” by the Beard Liberation Front.

The singer has granted the 2007 award by the informal network of British beard wearers, beating Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benitez into second place.

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson shared third place with last year’s winner, England cricketer Monty Panesar.

Beard Liberation Front organiser Keith Flett told BBC News: "The winners this year have stylish beards and are promoting a new 21st Century image of the hirsute."

Plant’s award follows [url=http://www.nme.com/news/led-zeppelin/33080 ]Led Zeppelin’s reunion[/url] at the O2 Arena in London on December 10.

Former Shockwaves NME Awards host Russell Brand and author Michael Rosen were also recognised in this year’s poll.