THE search has begun for The Herald's 2008 Baby of the Year – and this year's competition is shaping up to be bigger than ever.

At Drake Circus scores of proud parents have already been queuing with their children for pictures with our professional photographers.

Last year, a record 1,875 babies entered the competition and a staggering 37,658 votes were cast.

But with a host of top prizes on offer, this year's contest looks set to be bigger and better than ever before.

The final date for entries is Saturday, October 18, but yesterday's opening saw dozens of mums and dads get ahead of the game.

There are three categories in this year's competition: up to nine months; 10-18 months and 19-36 months.

The grand prize for the overall winner is a fabulous family mini-cruise to Santander with Brittany Ferries, as well as the Baby of the Year 2008 trophy and a framed photo enlargement.

Meanwhile, the category winners will each be handed £25 Build-A-Bear and Pumpkin Patch vouchers, a trophy and picture enlargement.

Top prizes are also on offer for the second and third placed babies in each category.

To enter, complete an entry form found in The Herald and take it along, with your child, to the Upper Mall at Drakes Circus.

Our photographers will be on hand to snap a professional picture of your baby between 9.30am-12pm and 1.30pm-4pm every day, excluding Sunday, October 12.

You will also be given a free goodie-bag including an infant toy from baby product experts Sassy, if your child is under 18 months old. Then simply visit The Herald's city centre shop in Armada Way, or drop in to our Derriford headquarters, to pick the photo you wish to enter.

Every picture will then be printed in a special Baby of the Year supplement in The Herald in November and readers can vote for their favourites.

Portraits of your baby will also be available to buy from The Herald shop, Derriford office, or online at www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/photosales