The Bicester Advertiser’s baby of the year 2010 competition has been won by seven month-old Lola Stafford.

Little Lola won first place with 235 votes, while joint runners-up went to Zachary Tyler, one, and Lilly Jones, two-and-a-half.

The winners beat off strong competition from dozens of youngsters across three categories to reach the final three.

Photographs were taken during sessions at the Bicester Advertiser office in Market Square in the summer.

Last month the Bicester Advertiser published photographs of all 61 entrants across three ages groups – 0 to nine months, ten to 18 months and 19 to 36 months – and asked people to vote over a week for their favourite child.

Lola’s parents, Scarlett Darbyshire, 24, and David Stafford, 46, of Roman Way, Bicester, were thrilled when she bagged first prize.

Ms Darbyshire said: “I was really proud when I found out she had won.

“I thought it would be nice to enter her and I put it on Facebook asking all my friends to vote for her.”

Each winner was given a framed photograph of their child, a trophy and £100 of Argos vouchers. Ms Darbyshire plans to spend the vouchers on toys and a new highchair for Lola.

Lilly’s parents, Tammy Johnson, 27, and Chris Jones, 28, of Oriel Way, Bicester, entered after their daughter’s cousin took part in a similar competition in the Oxford Mail.

Ms Johnson said: “We were really pleased.”

Catherine Steele, 26, Zachary’s mother, plans to spend the vouchers on a special train set table.

Mrs Steele, of Goldfinch Close, Bicester, said: “Zach is a bit of a poser. As soon as I get my mobile phone out he wants his picture taken.”

Organiser Lily Smith, of the Bicester Advertiser’s promotions team, said: “All of our 61 entries were adorable, so it must have been very difficult for people to decide who to give their vote. Our congratulations go to the winners.”