Mercury baby and toddler competition winners are revealed

The winners of the Rutland and Stamford Mercury baby and toddler competition 2018 have been announced.

Sixteen-month-old Rupert Kilshaw, of Ryhall, was named the winner in the baby section, while Romeo Potts, who will turn four next month, was our winner in the toddler competition.

Both youngsters and their families visited Morrisons earlier this week to collect their prizes, including the stunning canvases provided by Andy Nield, from The Photography Company and a toy for each of the youngsters from Morrisons, as well as a bouquet for the proud mums.

Romeo and Rupert beat off competition from more than 50 other youngsters and their mums were delighted to find out they'd won.

Tracey Kilshaw, Rupert's proud mum, said: "There was so many beautiful children that I couldn't believe it when I found out he'd won. It was a really nice surprise and I think this is one of the nicest photos I have of him."

Romeo's mum Toni Gabriel and stepdad Simon Middleton, as well as little brother Renzo, visited Morrisons to collect the prize with Romeo recreating his cheeky smile for our own photographer.

Toni said: "He's a proper cheeky chappy and this photo really sums him up. He was amazing with the photographer and we are absolutely delighted he's won."

Mercury editor Kerry Coupe said: "Once again, the baby and toddler competition was a huge success and we were absolutely overwhelmed with the number of votes - especially in the baby section.

"But Romeo and Rupert are very worthy winners and I was pleased to be able to present their prizes to him.

"Our thanks must go to The Photography Company and to Morrisons for once again supporting the competition and to all of our readers, who entered and voted."