THE search has begun to find Worcestershire's top tot as the Worcester News officially launched its Baby of the Year 2005 competition today.

Proud parents have already begun to queue up for their babies and toddlers to be photographed in Angel Place.

The competition, which

uns until this Saturday, March 5, is split into three categories - 0-9 months, 10-18 months and 19-36 months.

A winner and two runners up will be picked from each category. An overall winner will be chosen from the three category champions.

Last year, three-and-a-half-year old Freya Spain won the grand title, beating Taylor Coleman (0-9 months) and Hannah Lock (10-18 months) to the honour.

As a result, she earned her family a photographic session worth £600, a colour portrait of herself, £100 worth of Next vouchers, a silver trophy, and a bouquet of flowers.

A staggering 25,000 residents voted for the 526 entrants, and organiser Sarah Bevan is hoping for a similar turnout this year.

"We are looking forward to seeing how some of the babies have changed from last year as well as welcoming lots of new arrivals," she said.

"Don't miss out on the fantastic opportunity to enter your baby and see their picture in the Worcester News - this year will be even better as we will be printing the supplement in full colour."

All parents have to do to enter is to visit the old Phone Shack store, next to Acorn Cards near CrownGate market, Angel Place, Worcester City Centre, between today and Saturday, from 10am-5pm.

Professional photographers take pictures free of charge and parents will be given a date to return and enter their child into the contest.