THE Daily Echo's annual search for children with winning smiles is underway once again.

Does your child have what it takes to win the hearts of the public in our popular annual contest?

If so, photo shoots are currently taking place for the Child of the Year competition and entry is free.

Each day until March 8 a photo session advert will appear in the Echo and all you have to do is cut it out and take it along to the photographers.

The contest is open to children up to the age of 12 and winners in each of the five age groups will receive a canvas print of their winning portrait and a trophy.

This year we have teamed up with specialists from Fraser Portraits in Broadstone, a company with 30 years experience and a good local reputation.

Photo sessions are taking place this week in Tesco Extra, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth from February 26 until March 2 from 10am until 4pm.

Next week the photographers move on to Debenhams in Bournemouth town centre from March 5-8, 10am until 4pm.

Photo packages will be available to purchase but there is no obligation to do so. Entry is free with a copy of the advertisement but no photocopies will be allowed and there must be one coupon per child.

Judging will be carried out by post, text and phone.

All the entries will feature in special Daily Echo supplements in March.

  • More details available from bournemouthecho.co.uk/childoftheyear