ALL babies are considered beautiful by their parents, but Francesca Mackie has won over the Guardian's readership to prove herself the most attractive tot around.

Eight-month-old Francesca has been crowned the Guardian's Top Tot in our under nine-months category.

Proud mother Jacqueline, 42, of James Street, Epping, put her daughter's success down to her winning smile and cheery outlook on life.

She said: “You are biased as a parent- you think your baby's gorgeous- but she's a very happy baby, always has been. She's always smiling and cheerful. She's an absolute joy.

“People do mention she's a very cheerful and happy girl. She was born with lots of hair which was always a talking point.”

This year's Top Tot competition saw scores of entries with parents lining up their bonnie babies across the Guardian's patch, which includes Epping Forest, Waltham Forest and Redbridge.

Mrs Mackie said: “I was in Tesco's when I saw they were doing the competition. It was just by chance I was there. She was asleep so I had to wake her up.

“I didn't think much of it. I told my family and some friends but there was no big drive to get people writing in.

“We are over the moon. We can't believe it but we are really grateful to everyone who voted, and a bit chuffed.”

She added her daughter had probably inherited her good looks from her dad, Jim.

Francesca and her family win a large-framed photograph for first place.