SOCIAL MEDIA The 'Lenin selfie' contest has been backed by leading Russian sculptors

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Gennady Zyuganov, the leader of the Russian Communists, has backed calls for a contest of the best selfie with the former Soviet leader.



The new selfie trend has seen young Russians snapping themselves with Lenin busts – and even led to the launch of a contest in which students compete for a prestigious award.



Young communists from the Republic of Komi in north Russia have asked authorities for help in organising the contest.

Mr Zyuganov, the country's Communist Party leader, has given his seal of approval for the contest, to help Russian youth "learn about their history".



He said: "I support the idea. It will also help to see the actual condition of many monuments erected in honour of Lenin. This is a very good idea.



"There is no doubt the contest will be very popular among the young population. Youngsters nowadays like to take selfies very much."

GETTY; SOCIAL MEDIA The Communist Party leader has given the contest his seal of approval

SOCIAL MEDIA A group of students have called on local authority councils to supervise the contest

Ivan Kazansky, President at Moscow Sculpture Association, also backed the idea.



He said: "The action might help to create a full catalogue of Lenin monuments. Therefore the contest will have a role in helping to maintain our cultural heritage."

SOCIAL MEDIA The selfie aims to teach the Russian youth more about their former Soviet leader