AFTER 25,000 votes, and weeks of deliberation, the Evening News Baby of the Year 2004 has been announced.

Out of 526 entrants, Freya Spain was chosen as the overall winner and the 19-36 months age category winner.

Proud parents Maria and Jonathan Spain, of Warndon Villages, Worcester, were thrilled with the two-and-a-half-year-old.

"We couldn't believe it after so many children were entered, it's amazing really," said Mrs Spain.

"It's her eyes, they're so sparkly," added the 36-year-old.

"I think it's general cuteness," said Mr Spain, a 34-year-old retailer.

"We're biased but we just think she's very cute and is used to having her photo taken."

The star prize was a family photographic session worth £600, a colour portrait of Freya, £100 worth of Next vouchers, a silver trophy and a bouquet of flowers.

The runners-up in this age category were Jamelia Ford and Scott Bozward.

Taylor George Coleman won the 0-9 months age category.

Parents Katie Edwards and Phil Coleman, from Tolladine said they were surprised but very proud of their son.

"We're really shocked, I think it's because he's got such character in his face," said Miss Edwards, aged 21.

"He's very photogenic and has got such lovely big blue eyes," added the telesales worker.

"We're shocked but chuffed to bits," said Mr Coleman.

"It's that cheeky grin," added the 23-year-old accounts assistant.

The runners-up in this category were Heidi-Jo Evans and Alanna Elwell.

Hannah Lock was the winner of the 10 to 18 months age category.

Her parents, of Pershore were shocked and said they would definitely consider modelling work for their 18-month-old daughter.

"I'm surprised she got this far," said mother Laura Harvey.

"I think it's her smile, it's a cheeky one," added the 22-year-old bar manger.

"There were a lot of babies for her to get this far."

Hannah's father, 23-year-old printer Graham Lock added: "I think it's nice, I think she's a pretty little girl."

The runners up in this category were Amber-Rose Penn and Bethany Harding.