RAF pilot wins battle to keep moustache

An RAF pilot who was told by a US Air Force boss to trim his handlebar moustache has won a battle to spare it from the clippers.

Flight Lt Chris Ball had was ordered to shorten the tache during a exchange posting with the USAF in Afghanistan because it did not meet US regulations.

But the pilot, normally based at RAF Lossiemouth, refused and consulted the Queen's Regulations finding his distinctive moustache's did not breach RAF guidelines.

Because of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and US forces, local commanders are not allowed to issue orders that do not allow for difference in dress regulations.

As a result the moustache was saved ... by a whisker.