A QUEUE of proud mums and little angels lined up to show off in our great Christmas Cuties contest.

The high turnout of gurgling cuties kept studio photographers at Newport's Kingsway shopping centre busy during the photo shoot last month.

Children aged up to five years old entered one of four age groups to be crowned the Christmas Cutie on Christmas Eve.

Mark Bennett, Argus Christmas Cutie controller, said: 'It would seem Newport has a high standard of good-looking babies.

'We are very happy with the response - 560 cuties have entered the competition, compared with 450 last year.

'There are a lot of great prizes to be won this year.

'But I don't think it will be easy for readers to pick the best Christmas Cutie. It's going to be close.'

The top quality photo was taken free of charge and when mums returned to view the shots the photo is entered into the competition.

They could also buy the prints, if they wish.

'Next year, we're planning to take the photographs over a fortnight. In fact, I've already booked the photographers,' said Mark.