Employees and customers of the Co-operative food store in Whitland are placing bids to be in with a chance of shaving off store manager Alan Merret's beloved beard, while raising money for the children's charity, Tros Gynnal. Alan has agreed to have his five-inch beard, which he has had for 15 years, shaved off to raise money for the local charity. All proceeds raised from the event will go direct to the charity. Said Alan: "We're delighted to be raising money for Tros Gynnal so they can continue their vital work preventing childhoods being stolen. "The person who bids the most will be the lucky one who shaves off my beard, which after 15 years, I'm very fond of.  But it's all for a good cause and the money raised will directly benefit vulnerable children in Wales." The Co-operative aims to raise more than £1 million in 2007 for Tros Gynnal and its partner charities, The Children's Society in England, Extern in Northern Ireland and Aberlour in Scotland.