THE title of Wyre Forest Baby of the Year is to be shared after a thrilling finish to this year's competition run by the Shuttle/Times and News.

More than 7,400 votes were cast when our phone and text lines opened earlier this month - and two babies polled exactly the same number of votes.

Niall Scott and Ellie-May Winters received 435 votes each in the 0-10 months category and will share the first prize of £100.

And thanks to the generosity of our sponsors - Tippers the Picture Framers, and Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre - the winners will each receive a large framed photograph of their baby and a one-month family membership for the leisure centre.

Niall is the son of Rebecca and Daniel Scott, of Canterbury Road, Habberley, and Ellie-May is the daughter of Suehelen and Billy Winters, of East Road, Stourport.

The 11-18 months category was won by Brian Wilkes, whose proud parents are Samantha and Michael Wilkes, of Jubilee Drive, Kidderminster.

Topping the 19-24 months section was Holly Blackmore, whose parents are Nicola and Andrew Blackmore, of Victoria Place, Kidderminster.

Brian and Holly win a special framed picture of themselves for winning their age groups.

Presentations will take place next month in Kidderminster's Swan shopping centre which hosted the photography sessions for the popular competition.

Shuttle/Times and News advertisement manager, Ross Walmsley, said: "We had a phenomenal response to the competition. It is amazing to think we could have a tie for first place after several thousand votes for the 340 babies taking part.

"It was a huge success and votes were more than 1,200 up on last year."