THIS is the face which won the hearts of more than a thousand readers in this year's Evening Advertiser Baby of the Year competition.

Lauren Henly's cheeky smile and chubby cheeks spurred 1,279 people to vote her the town's top tot.

She beat off stiff competition for the prestigious title, with more than 11,000 readers jamming the phone lines to record their vote.

Lauren, from May Close, Gorse Hill, who was top of the 10-18 month category, had an even bigger smile than normal yesterday as she held her giant cup aloft at the prize-giving ceremony at Primark in The Parade.

Her parents, ntl telephone engineer, Neil, 28, and Thames Water billing clerk, Dina, 23, were overjoyed at the result.

Dina said: "My mother-in-law suggested we give it a go and we didn't think she would win.

"But Lauren's got such a great character and is always smiling and waving to people. She does deserve it.

"We'd like to thank everyone who voted for her and ask them to do so again next year when she enters again!"

Her prize, as well as the cup, is a life-size canvas portrait.

Second in her category was Casey Hupko-Grayson and third was Charlotte Kettle.

The winner of the 0-9 months category was Stephanie Hobbs, from Wroughton.

Her mum, Naomi, 29, was in tears on hearing the result.

Second in her age group was Yasmin Cooper and third was Sophie Cox.

The winner of the 19-36 month category was Kirsty Boucher-Dunn, from South Marston.

Dad James Dunn, 42, and mum, Elaine Boucher, 37, own Grove Hill residential home in Highworth.

James said: "I think all the residents and relatives voted for her."

Second in Kirsty's age group was Leighanne Ponting and third was Aaron Warren the only male finalist in the competition.

Our search for the town's bonniest baby started in September, with thousands of youngsters posing for professional photos at Primark.