Two gorgeous little girls scooped the lion’s share of the £2,000 prize money in the Medway Messenger’s Cute Kids 2017 contest.

The 12 winners in two age categories were presented with their prizes and portrait canvasses at Hempstead Valley shopping centre, which sponsors the annual contest.

One-year-old Caoimhe’s mum Sarah Grant said the family were thrilled she had won the £500 prize in the 0-24 month category.

She said: “We were told she was in the top six and we would have been delighted if she had come sixth.”

Her canvass now has pride of place in the front room of their home in Charing Road, Twydall.

Mrs Grant, 29, and husband James, 31, who both work for HM Prison Service, have invested the winnings in a building society trust fund.

She said: “It’s the first competition we have entered her in for.

“She’s a very good baby. We are all so proud of her.”

The couple also have two sons – Alfie, age six and Ollie, five.

Lois Bonner, aged three, won the votes in the 25-month-plus category and was also presented with a £500 cheque.

Mum Claire Bonner, 38, of Rochester, believes it was Lois’s cheeky smile that captured people’s hearts.

She said: “She is very outgoing and has a real personality. She came second last year so we are delighted with this.”

Mrs Bonner and partner Ricky, a car salesman, have also opened up an account for Lois, who has just started nursery school.

Centre manager Mark Rumfitt said: “Cute Kids has been going for more than 15 years now and it continues to attract a strong number of entries.

“It’s a great event and great fun to do.”