MODEL children struck a pose yesterday when they were presented with their Top of the Tots trophies.

The three winners were chosen by readers of The Northern Echo from nearly 400 hopefuls by a phone vote.

The three to five years category was won for the second year running by Montanna Marie Poole, aged four.

"I am very happy as she has defended her trophy," said her mother, Michelle Willcock.

Montanna goes to nursery school in Darlington and enjoys dancing and riding her quad bike.

Two-year-old Lucy-J Palmer- Denham, from Shildon, County Durham, came top in the 18 months to three years class.

Her mother, Lindsey, said her daughter was a tomboy, but very well behaved.

The under 18 months trophy was captured by Travis Joseph Boddy, who is 17 months old, from Bishop Auckland.

His mother, Sarah Craggs, said she was thrilled he had won the competition.

"He is a very good boy and is now starting to talk. When he looks at something he has to have it," she said.

The winning photographs were turned into canvas art by event sponsor Portrait Group, which also supplied the trophies.