Proud parents have been queuing at the Kent Messenger offices to have their child’s photograph taken for our Cute Kids competition.

At stake is a first prize worth £1,000 in the contest sponsored by Jens Nappy Cakes.

For the first time, the photographs are being taken at the Kent Messenger offices in Middle Row, Maidstone.

Mark Fraser, from Fraser Portrait Photography was kept busy from the start when the competition opened on Saturday.

Mr Fraser, 24, used all his considerable skills to entertain the Cute Kids - some just a few months old - to ensure he caught their most appealing smiles.

He said: "It can be difficult keeping the very young children facing the right way but kids respond to a smile with a smile. You just have to be tremendously bubbly and happy, and a bit silly sometimes."

There is still a chance to enter your child in the competition. You can call at the office any day up to and including Saturday, October 30, between 10am and 4pm.

No appointment is necessary. We’re even opening Saturday to cope with demand.

All the children entered will feature in the Kent Messenger on November 19, with readers invited to vote for their favourite.

Families can also buy a copy of their child’s portrait as a lasting memento - details for ordering pictures will be made available when you visit.

The winner will get a fabulous framed portrait of their child valued at £250, the two runners-up will each get framed pictuers valued at £175.

• For more information about Jens Nappy Cakes, go to www.jensnappycakes.co.uk