These remarkable pictures show a selection of elaborately adorned animals taking part in the prettiest camel competition.

The camels can be seen dressed in coat-like decorations made entirely from brightly coloured pom-poms and other woven materials. The animals even have necklaces and headdresses – decorated with delicate jewels and beads.

The competition was held at the Pushkar Fair, in the Thar desert, India this week.

The gathering – during which in the region of 20,000 camels are bought and sold – attracts thousands of tourists from around the world.

The camel beauty pageant, which has been held for decades, is taken very seriously. In fact, one competitor was furious after his pride and joy failed to win top prize.

The Pushkar Fair, otherwise known as Pushkar ka Mela, is held every year. It is a five-day camel and livestock fair and is believed to be one of the world’s largest.

The prettiest camel award is not the only competition the fair hosts – attendees may also compete for the title of ‘longest moustache’ or ‘prettiest bride’.

The Thar Desert, sometimes referred to as the Great Indian Desert, is in the northwestern area of India and forms a natural boundary running along the border between India and Pakistan.