The Times Guardian Cute Kids' competition has a winner.

Lucas Stickings, of Nautilus Drive, Minster, was crowned at a ceremony held at Sheppey Leisure Centre today.

The two-year-old pipped runners-up Zander Knox, of Porter Close, Minster, and Holly-Mae Stevenson, of Anne Boleyn Close, Eastchurch, to the title.

Proud mum Anne Stickings said: "Everyone mum thinks that their child is the cutest, but it was still a nice surprise to win, I am a bit shocked."

The competition began last September when we took pictures of 260 youngsters at the Sheppey Leisure Centre and then invited readers to vote for their cutest kid.

The votes flooded in and following an exhaustive counting session, we announced the three finalists.

Holly Mae received the highest number of votes in the 0-12 category.

In the 12-24 month category, Zander received the highest number.

And in the 24-48 month category, Lucas receive the highest tally.

A special judging panel made up of representatives of the Times Guardian and sponsors Serco and Photo 25 decided on who the overall winner was.

James Reynolds, of Serco, and Nigel Ryan, of Photo 25, were present to handover the prizes.

Lucas' parents won £500, a trophy, a framed portrait and six months free Isospa gym membership worth £224.

The runners-up received free framed portraits of their child and £100 cash.

Editor Matt Ramsden said: “The Times Guardian's Cute Kids' contest has once again been a brilliant success.

"I would like to thank everyone who took part and congratulate all three finalists."