Having spent years perfecting and styling their beards, they finally had the chance to show off their eye-catching efforts in front of fellow .

Sporting Dalis, goatees and Hungarians, their aim was to take home the coveted prize for best facial hair at the 7th Kunsag Beard Festival in Kiskunfelegyhaza, south of Budapest, Hungary.

Entrants included one man with facial hair inspired by Napoleon III and another who had curled his beard to look like tusks.

The beard revolution appears to be at its peak with facial hair fast-becoming the must-have fashion accessory for men.

But some experts have warned that beards are nothing more than a 'bacterial sponge', riddled with thousands of bacteria - and a perfect way to pass on germs.

Carol Walker, a consultant trichologist from the Birmingham Trichology Centre, said having facial hair can lead to more frequent skin infections and to germs being passed on to others.