PHOTOGRAPHY student Melanie Morland already has a large collection of baby snaps – but could not resist a few more when she heard about The Sentinel's Baby and Toddler of the Year contest.

And the mum-of-two, aged 25, could not have picked a better year to get involved.

The competition's new category, for toddlers aged between three and five, means son Cailan Amphlett can now take part, alongside his five-month-old sister Imogen.

Cailan, aged three, was the first boy to enter the category.

Melanie, of Pilsbury Street, Wolstanton, said: "I've got hundreds of pictures of them both.

"Athough I can take photos of them myself, when someone else presents you with pictures of your children you just want them.

"I think the new category is perfect, because at this age Cailan gets involved as well.

"He's a little adult now, and for him to see himself in the paper is great."

Melanie, a full-time student in her final year at Staffordshire University, has attempted to enter Cailan into the competition in previous years, but forgot to return to select which photo to enter into the contest.

She said: "Not everyone has the access to studio time, so this is not just a chance to enter the competition.

"It is also a brilliant opportunity for families to buy some professional images of their children."

To begin with, Cailan was not interested in having his picture taken.

However, the photographer soon changed his mind and got him to take part with a magazine about cartoon trains.

Melanie said: "He loves all that kind of thing.

"He has a toy garage with hundreds of little cars and he loves Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam."

Cailan also loves to play outside and Melanie and her partner Daniel Amphlett, aged 27, a water leakage technician, are often taking the tot on trips.

Melanie said: "Cailan likes to be out and about.

"He likes going to the play area and playing with friends and he likes playing football with his dad and his uncles in parks and the back garden."

Elizabeth Kelly, Melanie's mother, says her grandson is very bright for his age.

She said: "Cailan's like a little professor – you'd think he has two degrees and a driver's licence, he's so advanced for his age.

"He's so clued up and responsive – a beautiful boy.

The 44-year-old trainee teacher, from Pepper Street, Keele, added: "We take him out on different ventures.

"He loves going to Alton Towers.

"We also take him to the Peaks and visit the caverns, all the little caves in the mountainside, and he loves that.

"He's very adventurous and fearless."