THE winner of this year’s Worcester News Baby of the Year competition has been announced.

Red head Grace Blake, of Rainbow Hill, Worcester, the winner of the 0-9 months category, beat 416 children to be crowned champion.

Her mum, Nicola Cooper, aged 26, said she was extremely proud.

“We are really overjoyed that Grace has won. We can’t believe it and didn’t think she would win up against all those other children.

"We were delighted when she made the top 10 but this is amazing.”

First prize includes the Worcester News Silver Salver, a bouquet of flowers for mum plus a complimentary shoot for the whole family at Wink Photography, a DVD of images and two framed pictures – a total prize worth more than £1,000.

Dad Peter Blake, also 26, said: “We are looking forward to having a shoot with the rest of the family.”

When asked why he thought Grace took the judges vote, Mr Blake said: “She is beautiful, I think it may have been her lovely red hair.”

The winner of the 19-36 months category was two-year-old Kyle Doherty. His mum Katie Finch, aged 26 and dad Matt Doherty, aged 28, of Warndon Villages, Worcester, said they were delighted.

Miss Finch said: “We didn’t think he would win. Maybe it was because he looks quite cheeky.”

Mr Doherty added: “He wasn’t even smiling for the photo, he was having a bit of a strop at the time.”

The prize for winning the category is a complementary shoot worth more than £500 with Wink Photography.

In the 10-18 months category the winner was one-year-old Owen Charles Russell, of Warndon, Worcester.

Parents Nicola, aged 28, and Louis, 31, said they were thrilled to win. Mrs Russell said: “It’s fantastic. There were so many beautiful kids in the running all with their own unique expressions.

“We are really looking forward to having a photoshoot with the whole family.”

Mr Russell added: “I think he takes after his dad. He has a bit of a cheeky look about him.”

More than 16,000 readers voted by text, phone and post.

A panel of judges including Worcester News editor Peter John and promotions manager Sarah Bevan picked the win• Click here for all of the competition entrants