Proud parents will soon be able put forward their cute little baby boys and girls for the annual Evening News Bonny Babies competition.

Our paper is once more searching for the city's cutest tots - and the overall 2011 winner will be awarded a prize from Venture Photography worth �1,000.

Over the years hundreds of youngsters have been part of the competition, and last year's winner was Theo Winter, from Easton, who is now two-years-old.

After fighting for his life when he fell dangerously ill with an infection at birth, Theo has grown to be a happy and mischievous little boy, and his mum Kirsty Winter said Theo winning the bonny babies competition meant a great deal to the whole family.

She said: 'We were absolutely thrilled to win the competition. Theo had such a rough start in life so to win this competition was lovely. We had a gorgeous photo session for the prize and we have got some smashing photos.'

Theo had to fight for his life after developing the bacterial infection Group B streptococcus. Soon after he was born his lungs and arteries collapsed and he was in a coma for five days, but since then he has grown stronger and stronger.

Mrs Winter said that just last week the family was told Theo had a clean bill of health and he no longer needed to go for check ups at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and she said she wanted to thank the hospital staff, especially Theo's consultant Dr Booth, for all the help they have given Theo.

'He is a very lucky little boy. He is my little angel,' said Mrs Winter, who is married to Chris and has two other children, Lydia, 12, and Ethan, nine.

'Theo is gorgeous and we all know that but it is nice that he has got that bonny baby title to look back on when he is older.'

Parents or guardians can have their child's photograph taken for the 2011 Bonnie Babies competition at The Mall Norwich during the October half term. From Monday, October 24 until Sunday, October 30 parents or guardians can have their child's photo taken for free by Venture Photography near Argos in The Mall. The Venture Photography team will be there from 10am until 4pm on each of the days.

Dave Cheese, manager of Venture Photography, based at The Mall, said: 'Everyone thinks their own child is special and it is nice for them to see them in the local paper.

'The best advice for the competition is for people to think beforehand about the best way of getting the best expression from their little one. The key is for people to come at the best time of day for their baby.

'Sometimes colourful tops can stand out too and it is best to avoid white clothes.'

Parents or guardians must attend for their child's photo to be taken.

All pictures will be featured in the Evening News Bonny Babies supplement that is due to be published on Tuesday, November 15.

Readers will then be given the chance to vote for their favourite child in four categories: girls under 18 months, boys under 18 month, girls aged 18 months to five years, and boys ages 18 months to five years.

The overall winner of the whole competition will receive a family photography experience courtesy of Venture Photography and �1,000 to spend on Venture Photography products.

• Do you have a story about an inspiring child? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk