Today we celebrate the launch of Baby of the Year 2004. Every year hundreds of beautiful babies have their photographs taken and our readers vote on who they want to crown Wiltshire's bonniest.

This year we are working in association with The Shires shopping centre, in Trowbridge which, supported by some of the local businesses in the centre, is sponsoring the competition.

The competition will run in the normal way with three categories for children to enter.

The first is for babies between the age of 0-nine months. The next age group is for the 10-18 month old babies, and the final category is for 19-36-month-old toddlers.

There will be one overall winner the child that receives the most votes plus two winners from each of the other categories and three runners-up.

Entry is free and you can visit the photographer from 9.30am to 5pm from Monday August 16, right through to Saturday August 21, inclusive.

Located in the main area right outside Greggs Bakery, all you need to do to enter is cut out the coupon below and present it to the photographer to get your child's picture taken.

Appointments are not necessary, but please note that the photographer will be at lunch between 1pm and 2pm each day.

You will need to be available to return to The Shires on August 26 and 27 when the photos that have been taken will be on display. This will be your opportunity to choose the entry you want to go into the contest, and purchase any of the photos, if you wish.

This year the prizes are being provided by The Shires shopping centre, local traders in the centre, and companies that provide a service to help maintain the efficient running the centre.