NEWS Shopper kicks off its search for the cutest child in south-east London and north Kent today in this year’s Child of the Year competition.

The winner will toddle away with a £250 photography voucher, a framed portrait picture and the accolade of being News Shopper’s Child of the Year 2011. There are also nine runners up prizes of £100 to spend at Nigel Barrett Photography.

The contest will be visiting three shopping centres, starting at The Glades in Bromley from today (April 11) until April 17.

After that, Child of the Year will visit Greenwich Shopping Park in Charlton from April 20 to 23, followed by The Walnuts in Orpington from May 3 to 8.

To take part, simply go along with your little one to any of the centres for a free sitting with Nigel Barrett Photography.

If you are unable to make it to one of the shopping centre dates, call Nigel Barrett on 020 8303 2727 to make an appointment for a free sitting at his studio in Bexleyheath.

One photo of each child will be published on News Shopper’s website where you can vote for the little angel you would like to win. Voting will open on May 16 for four weeks.

Last year competition was fierce, with more than 600 entries and thousands of votes being cast to choose the winner.

The contest is open to children aged five years and under and entries will be divided into two age groups – 0 to 18 months, and 19 months to five years.

Five finalists from each category will then be chosen with one scooping the title of News Shopper Child of the Year 2011.

Child of the Year 2011