From babes in arms to cheeky toddlers, nearly 30 children filled a school hall, competing to be named Maldon’s bonniest baby.

The annual “Bonniest Baby” competition, part of Maldon Carnival week and sponsored by the Standard, was held at Lower Plume School.

The youngest entrant, Leon Dyer, was eight days old and slept his way through the event.

Organiser Sarah Haylock, 35, of Cheery Garden Road, Maldon, said the event was “very community spirited” and she hoped it would bring people together.

She said: “I think it’s fantastic.

“There’s more tiny babies this year.

“I wouldn’t want to be a judge.

“We’re trying to keep tradition in the town and get some sort of community spirit going, hopefully mums will meet here and meet up again.”

More photos in next week's Maldon and Burnham Standard