WINNERS from The Northern Echo’s Happy Tots 2018 competition have been awarded their prizes.

The competition saw 140 children across the region visit pop-up studios in the Cornmill Shopping Centre, Darlington and Tesco Extra, Bishop Auckland to have their pictures taken.

One winner was three-year-old entrant Imogen Martin who won the award for the fourth year in a row.

Her mother Sam Walker said: “It’s really good, we didn’t expect to win so we were surprised and happy when we saw the video announcement. All of our family voted for her.”

Winners were selected from three age categories – 0-18 months, 18-36 months and 3-5 years – and a shortlist was created which was put out to public vote.

Miss Walker’s other daughter five-month-old Heidi followed in her sister's footsteps and won the 0-18 months category.

Another winner was two-year-old Ayla McNeilly who is hoping to frame her picture in her newly decorated bedroom.

Her mother Louise Manners said: “She absolutely loves having her photo taken. She has had quite a difficult start to life because she’s got a lot of allergies and things, so she hasn’t been able to take part in things like this. It means a lot to us, it’s just nice to see her happy.”

Winners were awarded tickets to see a show at Theatre Hullabaloo, free family ice creams at Archers Jersey Ice Cream and one-month gym membership at Physique Fitness.