PROUD parents and their bonnie babies were eagerly queuing as the doors opened for this year's Evening News' Baby of the Year 2004 competition.

The competition, which began yesterday, will be judged in three age categories, up to nine months , 10 -18 months and 19 -36 months.

To enter the free competition, parents can go along to the Cathedral Plaza Shopping Centre, High Street, Worcester, every day this week, including Saturday, March 6, between 10am and 5pm.

Parents and their tots should go to the unit next to Sainsbury's, where their child will have his or her photo taken - absolutely free - to be entered into the competition.

"We were absolutely delighted to have a queue forming as we opened to take the first photographs," said Sarah Taylor, promotions manager at the Evening News.

"The first baby to be photographed was Shannon Roberts, who is two-and-a half.

"Don't miss the chance to see your child in the special Evening News supplement which will be published in the next few weeks."

Voting will be via Evening News readers and a judging panel. The overall winner will be chosen from one of the three category winners.

As well as the prestigious title of Evening News Baby of the Year, there are also some great prizes to be won.