Young Madison scoops Baby of the Year prize

Dozens of babies aged 0 to 36 months entered the competition sponsored by Persimmon Homes Wessex, and now the winning three have been revealed after votes from Wiltshire Times readers were counted.

Madison Brown, 21 months, scooped the title, along with the £500 first prize, a framed photograph and trophy.

Madison is the only daughter of parents Andrew and Leanne Brown, of Silver Birch Grove, Trowbridge.

Mum Leanne said: “I did it last year and I just fancied it this year. You get a photo with the prize and it’s like a photoshoot.

“I’d like to thank everyone who voted. It was a shock to win.

“Obviously we’re going to give some to Madison to save, and then we’ll buy her some toys I expect.”

George Heard, 11 months, was a runner-up and wins £250 cash and a framed photo. George is the son of Jack and Alice Heard and lives with his parents and big sister Isla at Larch Grove, Trowbridge. Mrs Heard entered the competition on a whim. She said: “I just walked into Tesco and saw it and thought that Isla had entered, so I might as well put George in as well for their baby books. “We’re very grateful to everyone who voted. George obviously has lots of friends. He’s baby of the year to us and it’s nice to see that others agree.”

The couple plan to use the prize money to take the children to Longleat to meet Father Christmas, and put the rest in George’s savings. In Melksham, eight-month-old Lilly-Mae Kerslake was also a runner-up and won £250 and a framed photo.

She is the daughter of Scott Kerslake, a personal trainer, and stay-at-home mum Amy Gray.

Miss Gray, 23, said: “Her and her little cousin both entered it, I just wanted to show her off.

“I asked my friends and family to vote, but I didn’t put it on Facebook or anything like that.

“I didn’t realise that many people had voted, we’re really pleased. We’ll probably spend the money on Chrismas presents. It’s great, especially now my maternity money has ended.”