WITH her big beaming smile it is clear to see why little Sophia Stanyer was crowned Worcester News' Baby of the Year 2016.

And now your little ones have the chance to enter the as we launch this year's hunt across Worcestershire to find the cutest babies and toddlers.

Every year hundreds of parents put forward their children into the competition making the job extra tough for the judges to choose the final winner.

It's free to enter - just go along to see our official photographer who will be in CrownGate Shopping Centre from Monday, February 27 until Saturday, March 4.

These pictures will then appear in a full-colour supplement in the newspaper and readers will vote for their favourites in three categories, 0-9 months, 10-18 months and 19-36 months.

It's a hotly contended competition which saw nearly 7,000 votes cast for over 200 babies in last year's Baby of the Year with Sophia scooping the overall title.

The toddler, from Pinvin, won the 19-36 month category.

Also triumphing were Max Brooks from Sherrards Green Road, Malvern in the 10-18 month category and, in the 0-9 months category, Alexandra Ellevold from St Peter's.

Sophia's mum Bethany Moss said it was fantastic and urged other parents to get involved in this year's competition.

"Sophia looks at the photograph and says she has won.

"It was lovely because the people at her preschool all saw her in the paper and congratulated her.

"My family just couldn't believe it.

"I've always entered both Sophia and her older brother Jamie, who is now six, in the competition.

"I'd definitely urge other parents to take part - we never expected to win."