WHO will be the Dorset Echo Child Of The Year for 2011?

The Dorset Echo is launches its appeal to readers to put forward their children into our annual photographic competition.

The competition is split into four different age categories, each with its own prize, as well as a special prize for the overall winner.

It is a free, fun-based competition with the winner receiving £100 of vouchers, a framed print of the winning picture and a magnificent trophy.

The remaining category winners will receive £50 of vouchers, a mounted print of their winning picture and a trophy.

The Dorset Echo has teamed up with local photographer Daniel Rushall, who will be taking pictures at the Dorchester branch of Wellworths on May 27 between 10am and 4pm.

Mr Rushall will also be available at the Weymouth branch of Debenhams on June 2, 3 and 4 between 10am and 1pm and 2pm and 5pm.

Last year’s competition saw entries run into the hundreds while readers voted in their thousands to decide the eventual winners. Overall winner, Callum Gibbs, was picked from the 19 to 35 months category.

The other category winners were Alicia Kenna Staddon (0 to 9 months); Kira May White (10 to 18 months) and Tiana Snook (3 to 6 years).

All the winners were invited to a presentation ceremony at Debenhams in Weymouth to receive their prizes.

All four categories are unisex and any child wishing to enter must be six years or under on May 27, 2011 and only portraits taken at the official sittings will be eligible for entry.

Dorset Echo readers who are looking to enter their child will need to bring a completed competition coupon to one of the official sittings in Dorchester or Weymouth. The coupons can be found in copies of the Echo.

We will publish all the photos on June 14 and readers will be invited to vote for their favourite via phone, text or in-paper coupon. All pictures will also be available to view on our website http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk.

A panel of judges will then choose the winners from the shortlist the Dorset Echo readers have selected.

Each child entering is eligible for one free sitting consisting of at least two different poses and each child is limited to one entry.