The votes are in, and pretty toddler Lilly Mae Hackett has swept the board to become the 2004 Essex Chronicle Baby of the Year.

Lilly, now 14 months old, of Hemmingway Road, Witham, gained the most votes of the 800 youngsters who were entered into the annual competition, which is sponsored by the Meadows Shopping Centre.

She wins a fabulous prize of a 20x16 framed portrait from BCR Photographic and £500 from the Meadows.

Her proud parents, care assistant Nicola, 34, and hire and sales manager Paul, 33, will be investing the money in a bank account for her future.

Nicola, who was reduced to tears when the results were announced, said: "I was very surprised when we won, it was the first time we'd entered, and I'd like to thank everybody who voted for her."

Published Thursday July 15, 2004

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