The annual snow picture sharing championships begin

Competitors quickly sprung into action this morning as the annual snow picture sharing championships got off to a frenetic start.

The competition dates back to the early 2000s when the birth of camera phones meant competitors could instantly show others the level of snow they were dealing with - which was inevitably more than you.

Back gardens in the snow, front gardens in the snow, snowmen and a road of cars covered in snow are all accepted picture compositions under competition rules.

The championship's sister event, the "no snow here" picture sharing championships has also begun today.