Sugar and spice and all things... Bethan!

Bonny Baby Bethan from Inverlochy.

A BLONDE-haired and smiley tot who was born seven weeks premature is the winner of our popular Cute Kids competition.

Bethan McGarry, from the Lochaber area who will be two next month, earned the title of the Highlands’ cutest kid after landing the highest number of votes from Highland News Group readers.

Little Bethan’s picture was entered into the contest by her delighted dad John and mum Jackie, who have scooped £100 in vouchers from Ted Baker clothing at Debenhams as well as a year’s free family High Life membership from Inverness Leisure.

John (42), a carpenter joiner, of Wades Road, Inverlochy, said he was "chuffed to bits" Bethan, who has a six-year-old sister Lauryn, had come tops, but admitted he wasn’t surprised to hear the news!

He said: "I knew she would win it as she’s just so gorgeous, but I’m biased!

"She was born seven weeks early and spent the first three weeks of her life in the Special Care Baby Unit at the Southern General in Glasgow. Even then the nurses would say she was gorgeous and described her as a "wee honey".

"I am chuffed about this. We had wanted to enter her last year, but just missed the deadline for entries so I thought I would give it go this year, and I’m pleased I did.

Pictured is Bethan with mum Jackie, dad John and sister Lauryn (6).

"I can’t wait to tell all the family, they will be delighted."

Meanwhile, taking second place is Tyler Stoddart (10 months) from Cearn Romasdale, Portree, and in third place is Heidi Macleod (13 months) of Tulloch Square, Dingwall.

In all, we had 232 entries in the search for the region’s cutest kid – and each and every one of them deserves to be a winner!