MEET bonny baby Richard Staines and top tot Ellie Ainsworth - winners of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Baby Competition 1999.

Richard, 15 months, and Ellie, almost three, were voted for by readers from a host of entries in the competition which raises money for the area's sick children.

Richard's mum and dad Philippa Haworth, 32, and Brian Staines, 39, of Alliance Street, Baxenden, are over the moon at his success after he was entered by his gran Eileen Stevenson.

Philippa said: "She asked me if she could put him in for it and I said yes and we're really pleased he's won."

Ellie's mum and dad Gillian, 35, and Graham, 36, of Walton Crescent, Blackburn, said staff at Coach House Nursery had all voted to help her win.

She went on: "Everyone thinks their child is beautiful but it is nice when everyone else does as well.

"Ellie is a real little character who loves playing and dancing to River Dance on the TV. I think she is Michael Flatley's biggest fan and it is really comical to watch."

Both winners will receive £100 Debenhams vouchers, a framed portrait from Stuart Ainslie Photography and a trophy.

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