Royal Marines serving in Afghanistan's Helmand province this Christmas are pitting their facial hair-growing skills against each other in a bid for the title, Best Moustache

40 Commando decided to hold the contest to lift morale while serving over the festive period.

Some chose traditional styles...

...while others took inspiration from abroad.

Some even sculpted their growth.

But others seemed to struggle to produce much hair.

Meanwhile, some entrants may face disqualification if their furry top lip turns out to be false.

Major Alex Murray described the competition as a "morale-boosting bit of fun".

The winners of the bid for hirsute glory will be announced on Boxing Day.