DOES your son or daughter have what it takes to be named the top tot in Hampshire?

Is your bundle of joy as adorable as last year's beaming winner - beautiful Chanel Parker?

The Daily Echo has expanded its annual competition, now known as Child of the Year 2003, which this year will be open to youngsters aged up to five for the first time.

Chanel, of Church View Close, Sholing, Southampton, won the hearts of readers and judges alike in 2002.

She beat off competition from more than 800 entries.

Dad Kevin said: "Everyone thinks their baby is the most beautiful but to actually win it over 800 others was just fantastic."

One year on and it is time to go gaga all over again as doting parents from all over Hampshire proudly put their children forward as potential winners of the 2003 Daily Echo Child of the Year competition.

They will be hoping the perfect pictures of their little treasures will lead to them toddling off with the title.

For the seventh year running the contest is being sponsored by The Marlands shopping centre in Southampton.

Photographers from BCR Photographic will once again be on hand to capture your child's character.

As it's all free, you literally have nothing to lose.

Prizes include certificates, framed photographs and toy shop vouchers.

Child of the Year 2003 will be voted on by Daily Echo readers who can view all the entries in a special supplement published in July.

Daily Echo events organiser Jo Richardson said: "Last year's response was fantastic, but this time we are looking for more than 1,000 children to be put forward by their parents."

Cut out and complete the coupon on page 18 of today's Daily Echo and take it along to The Marlands shopping centre for your free photographic sitting.