THE Evening News's Baby of the Year competition is back next week and proud parents across Worcestershire are getting ready for their tots' brush with the big time.

The hunt will be on to find the most beautiful babies and toddlers, and ultimately the Baby of the Year 2005.

Last year, a staggering 25,000 votes were logged for 526 entrants.

Organisers hope this year will be bigger and better - with fantastic new prizes, including goodie bags from Boots and full colour portraits of the winners.

The age categories will be the same as last year - 0-9 months, 10-18 months, and 19-36 months.

Last year, Taylor Coleman won the 0-9 month group and his mum Katie Edwards has encouraged other parents to give it a go.

"It is a brilliant competition and it's something for all the mums can get involved in," said the 22-year-old telephone sales executive, of Mendip Close in Warndon.

Miss Coleman said she and Taylor's father, 24-year-old accounts department manager Phil Coleman, would definitely be entering the one-year-old this year.

"When he won we were really surprised but pleased," she said.

"It was a really tough competition as all the babies were gorgeous. It would be lovely if he won this year."

Miss Edwards said she thought that it was Taylor's "cheeky smile" that fought off the stiff competition.

This year parents will be able to view pictures of their youngsters in a full colour supplement.

Entry to the competition is easy and free of charge.

All parents have to do is visit the old Phone Shack store, next to Acorn Cards, near CrownGate market in Angel Place, Worcester city centre between Monday and Saturday March 5, between 10am and 5pm.

Professional photographers will be on hand to take pictures and will give you a date to return and enter the competition.