THE search to find the Wiltshire Times' bonniest babies heats up today with families poised to pick the best portraits of their children.

Around 400 youngsters have been photographed at The Shires shopping centre by BCR Photographic in the run up to the 2004 Wiltshire Times Baby of the Year Competition. Staff from the firm will be in The Shires until 5pm today for parents to pick out the picture that best shows off their child.

There is also the chance to buy copies of portraits taken by BCR's professional photographers.

Wiltshire Times readers will be able to vote for their Baby of the Year in a telephone poll.

Photographs of all the youngsters who entered the competition and details of how to vote will appear in a special Baby of the Year supplement inside the Wiltshire Times on September 10.