Express & Star baby of the year competition arrives at Mander Centre
The hunt continues for the Black Country and Staffordshire’s baby and toddler of the year.
The Express & Star has launched its competition last week and numerous parents flocked to the Mander Centre yesterday to see if their baby had what it takes.
Alyson Rochelle, 44, mother of three-and-a-half Lilly Rochelle-Carrier, said: "I would love her to win it.
"She's done modelling for Cath Kidston. We've entered the competition in previous years but she has not come anywhere, unfortunately.
"I hope she gets placed because she deserves to get noticed.
"She's just a really happy kid. She will have a go at everything.
"She loves Pegga Pig and Paw Patrol.
"We would be proud, really proud of her if she won."
The photographer will be at the Mander Centre between 9.30am and 4.30pm every day from today until Saturday.
Parents can bring their children to be photographed and will then be invited back to choose the best picture to appear in for the supplement or one will be selected for them.
Chloe Burns, 28, mother of two year-old Valentina and eight month-old Penelope, said: "Their great-grandmother told me about the competition and she entered her baby, about 50 years ago in a similar competition.
"I thought it's been 50 odd years – we might as well have a go as well."
"They have certainly behaved well. They both smiled so I think we have a good chance hopefully.
"I would be really proud and their family would be really proud if they win – they can share the money.
"If one won I would divide it between the two."
The children will be split into four age categories – 0-9 months, 10-18 months, 19-35 months and 3-5 years. There will be a winner in all brackets, with a £500 for prize for each category and an extra £250 for the the overall winner. To vote, simply choose your favourite from all the entries.
The photographs will also be featured in the Express & Star on Wednesday, September 12 and on our website.
Once you’ve chosen and picked your winner, cut out the special vote tokens which will be printed each day in the Express & Star newspaper until October 13 and complete a Voting Tokens Return Form.
The deadline for returning tokens is October 19.
Find out more by visiting the website www.baby.expressandstar.com
