The festival, which is the initiative of the St Ives Retail Group, started at the beginning of November and is being held during the run-up to Christmas. Fat ones, thin ones – some much bigger than your head – chefs, builders, hair models, are all on display helping to do their bit to boost the local economy by encouraging tourists and shoppers to come to the town.

A competition is being held at the same time in which visitors and shoppers can guess the number of snowmen taking part in the festival with the chance to win a hamper of Christmas gifts. Entry forms are available at any outlet displaying a Snowman Competition Poster.

Local schools and groups have also been involved as they have been encouraged to make snowmen to be auctioned to raise funds for their groups.

The best snowman will be announced next week, following a competition judged by members of the public. There is also a competition on the St Ives Snowman Festival Facebook page for the snowman that gets the most likes.