THE Worcester News Baby of the Year competition has attracted 25,000-plus votes - more than half the number who voted in the city at the last General Election.

A total of 433 babies were entered in the contest, which will eventually see three category winners and an overall top tot.

Organiser Sarah Bevan said she was delighted with the response.

"We have been deluged with votes," she said. "Last year we had 25,000, but although we are still counting we are pretty sure we have beaten this figure.

The top 10 finalists will be included in the paper during the next few weeks. The three winners will be announced shortly after that.