PRIZES galore were lined up for the family of Leighton Kerr after the gorgeous tot was named the Daily Echo's Child of the Year 2004.

He beat off competition from 764 other boys and girls to win the coveted title after readers voted him through to the final and judges agreed Leighton, now 13 months old, should win.

Mum Wai-Ling, 34, a part-time bank worker and dad Jason, also 34, a business development manager attended the special ceremony with smiling Leighton to collect their prizes.

The couple of Newbridge, Netley Abbey, were awarded the Daily Echo Child of the Year 2004 crystal bowl and £200 vouchers to spend at The Disney Store in The Mall Marlands shopping centre in Southampton.

They also received a certificate and framed photograph courtesy of BCR Photographic.

Wai-Ling said: "We have been making a real fuss of Leighton this week because we are so chuffed.

"He has a very mellow personality and smiles a lot but now he knows when a camera is pulled out his picture is going to be taken so is becoming a bit more camera shy."

The Daily's Echo's promotions executive Jo Richardson said: "I am amazed how each year the competition continues to be so popular. The same names appear year after year."

Children who were runners-up in the four categories also won Disney Store vouchers, a framed print and a certificate. The Mall Marlands shopping centre sponsored the competition for the ninth year running.