Five of the world's top ice carving teams are set to battle each other - and the clock - to transform blocks of frozen water into works of art. 

The Ice Sculpting Festival - the first to be held in London - starts on Friday when the teams descend on the ice rink at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington. 

They will use picks, shovels and drills to sculpt a three metre-squared block of ice in front of the public.

The teams have three days to complete the challenge and the winner will be declared at midday on Sunday. Visitors are welcome at the free event.