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

Harvey Dimmock, aged two, of Goodrest Close, off Goodrest Walk, Rainbow Hill, Worcester, the winner of the 19-36 month category, beat 450 children to be crowned the champion.

His mum, Lucy Davis, said she was overwhelmed that he had won as it was the last year he could enter.

She said: “I’m just so proud of him. It’s a shame his dad isn’t here because he’s working away but he’ll be totally overwhelmed.

“The whole family will be really chuffed. I was just glad he got into the top 10 – but it’s great that he’s won.”

The winner of the 0-9 month category was Casie-Jo Knowles, now 11 months, of Rodborough Close, Warndon, Worcester.

Her mum Kerry Vernon and dad Christopher Knowles said they were delighted.

Mr Knowles said: “We’re really excited. We were thrilled that she got into the top 10 so we’re really happy she’s come first.”

The winner of the 10-18 month category was Brianna Lynch, 14 months, also of Goodrest Close, Worcester.

Her mother Kimberley Lynch said: “I’m over the moon. As soon as she was in the top 10, I knew she was going to win. Our friends and family will be so excited. I’m really thrilled.”

The runners up in each category were Joshua Smith and Kacie Locke in the 0-9 months, Brandon Bradley and Lacey Harris in the 10-18 months and Samantha Davies and Bethany Jones in the 19-36 months. The three winners won prizes from Venture photography, worth £1,400 in total, and Tumble Tots provided prizes of free classes for the winners and CDs for the runners-up.

More than 15,600 readers texted, phoned and posted their votes for the top 10 in each category and the top three were chosen by a panel of judges, including your Worcester News editor Kevin Ward and promotions manager Sarah Bevan and Cathedral Plaza shopping centre manager John Kendrick.