Are bald men less successful than their hairier counterparts? If researchers are right, thinning hair signals a less pleasant and undynamic personality to prospective employers and is bad news for job prospects.

We went into Fore Street on a sunny day, and shiny foreheads notwithstanding, noone in Liskeard seemed to be that bothered by the bad news for baldies.

Eric Andrew from Liskeard, who works for BT, had never had any problems and said: 'I'm quite happy with it - I think if you're born with it you've got to accept it - you are what you are!'

Likewise John Hutton, who said he had never felt at a disadvantage because of his baldness. John, who was down with his wife and friends from Scotland visiting Cornwall, said: 'I started to go bald quite young but it didn't bother me because I was in the Army and had short haircuts anyway.' Wife Norma added: 'I won't say I like all bald men - but I like him, he's lovely!' As to the claim that William Hague's pate makes him less of a proposition for Prime Minister, the response was clear - 'True beauty comes from within', said Norma - 'and if you're bald it doesn't matter, it's all about personality, well, and a big cheque book!'

Colin Stuart had a positive mane of thick hair but he was unfazed by the idea that one day his crowning glory might be gone. 'I'm quite looking forward to it actually - I've got a couple of friends who are going bald and they've met lovely young ladies!'

Colin, who used to own barbers shop 'Avitoff' would perhaps be one of the first to embrace new hair technology, but says he would never consider having a hair transplant.

It seems that despite what researchers say, no-one felt discriminated against because of a lack of hair and it didn't make men feel less attractive. Neither was baldness a turn-off for any of the women we spoke to - as Ann Shepherd said: 'Sometimes it's quite appealing - Sean Connery is still attractive wig on or off!'

However it does seem to be universally accepted that making a few straggling hairs stretch is a no-no for those concerned with their looks.

Sarah Maslen told us that baldness ran in the male side of her family: 'My dad and my brother have both gone bald - but they've shaved the rest off and they look really good.'

Sarah's boyfriend Darren agreed that the best solution to thinning hair was to make the least of it by going short. But it did seem strange that those with the most advice to offer were those who had no hair loss issues themselves - like Stewart Francis of Tremar Tropicals who said: 'There's nothing wrong with going bald, it's part of life. The thing is, as a man gets older he's like a bottle of wine - he gets more mature.' Thanks for the advice Stewart - whose other tip for stimulating the follicles was a little too risque for a family paper - we're sure the less hirsute will take heart!