BONNY blonde Casey Jay Ranford-Norrey is the Evening News' Baby of the Year.

Eight other tots also toddled off as winners and runners-up in the contest, which drew 53,198 votes from families and friends across the county.

A panel of judges had the tricky task of choosing the final band of beautiful babies.

NINE bouncing babies had plenty to smile about when they were crowned top of the tots at this year's Evening News Baby of the Year Competition.

The results were announced after a record 53,198 readers voted for their favourite bundle of fun.

Blonde cutie Casey Jay Ranford-Norrey was hailed overall winner of the ninth annual contest, as well as champion of the 10-18 months category.

Casey's excited parents, Sandra Ranford and Shaun Norrey, of Windermere Drive, Warndon, said they were very proud of their 17-month-old daughter.

"She's a lively girl who likes Winnie the Pooh and The Fimbles," said Mr Norrey, aged 34.

"She likes making a mess and started walking last month."

Managing director Andy Tipler handed Casey's parents a 20in by 16in framed colour portrait, a cheque for £150, the Evening News Silver Salver, and a bouquet of flowers.

Runners-up in the 10-18 months category were Kimberly Spragg, of Cranham Drive, Warndon, and Blake Faulkner, of Borrowdale Drive, Warndon.

They toddled off with a framed 10in by 8in colour portrait of themselves.

Winner of the 19-36 months category was beaming Marcus Reid, of Foley Road, St John's, who won a 15in by 12in framed colour portrait and a cheque for £75.

The 22-month-old's parents, Jackie and Delorick Reid, said they were thrilled with the news.

"We didn't expect it," said Mrs Reid, aged 34.

"He loves music and dancing, and bops around the house."

The runners-up in the 19-36 months old category were Billy Locke, of Rose Avenue, Tolladine, and Hollie Connop, of Sanctuary Close, St John's.

They were presented with 10in by 8in colour portraits of themselves.

Mia Bourne, of Byfield Rise, Tallow Hill, was winner of the 0-9 months category. The eight-month-old baby won a 15in by 12in framed colour portrait and a cheque for £75.

Her mum, Donna Bourne, said she was excited at the news.

"She loves pop music - she shakes her head and dances to it," said Miss Bourne, aged 25.

"She's happy, content and always seems to smile. She loves people."

Runners-up of the nought to nine months category were Millie Robinson, of Windsor Avenue, St John's, and Ethan Cosnett, Sebright Close, Pershore.

They left with a framed 10in by 8in colour portrait of themselves.

Readers voted after 500 babies were featured in a 24-page Evening News supplement.

A panel of judges, including Evening News editor Stewart Gilbert and promotions manager Sarah Taylor, then had the difficult task of picking the winner and two runners-up in each category.