DOES your son or daughter have what it takes to be named the top tot in Hampshire?

Is your bundle of joy as adorable as last year's smiling winner, Malachi Bates?

The Daily Echo's Child of the Year competition, open to under-fives, is back.

Totton's Malachi, three, won the hearts of readers and judges alike in 2006, beating off competition from nearly 800 other hopefuls.

One year on and it is time for doting parents from across Hampshire to put their children forward as potential winners of the Daily Echo Child of the Year 2007 competition.

For the 13th year the contest is being sponsored by The Mall Marlands shopping centre in Southampton.

Jackie Beazley, marketing and administration manager of The Mall Marlands, said: "The Child of the Year competition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the children in our diverse and thriving community.

"We would urge as many people as possible to participate in this initiative and be part of what is always a really fun time at The Mall."

Jo Richardson, Daily Echo promotions executive, said: "I am looking forward to getting a record number of entries this year so get down to The Mall Marlands and get your pictures taken."

Photographers from BCR Photographic will once again be at The Mall Marlands from next Monday until Saturday, June 16 excluding Sundays.

Prizes include hundreds of pounds worth of vouchers for the Disney store, certificates and framed photographs.

The Child of the Year 2007 will be voted for by Daily Echo readers who can view all the entries in a special supplement published on Wednesday, July 25.

The Mall Marlands has more than 45 stores on two floors and it offers everything from designer labels and affordable fashions through to home wares, furnishings, toys and gifts.

It includes high street names such as Matalan, the Disney Store, The Entertainer, Cargo, Fopp Records, Whittards of Chelsea, The Perfume Shop, Bay Trading, MkOne, Hawkins Bazaar and West One.

Coming soon is White Light Therapy skin clinic and Truly Everything internet café.