Ananova:

A giant statue of Marilyn Monroe has beaten sculptures of King Kong, Cindy Crawford and E.T. to claim first prize at Europe's top ice-sculpture competition.

The 14th annual ice sculpture competition at Ischgl in Austria was won by Italians Ivo Piazza and Rainer Kasslatter with their sculpture of the movie star.

The artists they beat included British sculptors Justin Scott and Joshua Pert who selected Jaws as the theme for their work.

Peter Reiner, event manager and member of the jury which chose the winning artwork, said: "It was not easy to pick a winner.

"All the sculptures were unique and immensely impressing pieces of art. Each year we think that the artists' works can not be topped, but this year we have been taught better once again."

The theme of the exhibition this year was 'Ischgl meets Hollywood'. Other entries included Moby Dick, Dances with Wolves and Titanic.