Kanyon voted area's top baby

A "bonny" Papamoa boy has been voted the Bay of Plenty Times baby of the year.

Ten-month old Kanyon Deans attracted more than 200 of the 6383 votes cast by shoppers at Bayfair Shopping Centre last week, winning himself a spot on the cover of the inaugural Bay of Plenty Times 2011 Baby Book.

Kanyon's parents, Louise Jeffries, 27, and Jason Deans, 28 - who also win a canvas and photography from Marina Galiotto Photography to the value of $500 - were ecstatic at the news their son had been named the Western Bay's cutest baby.

Miss Jeffries said she entered Kanyon, who was born on March 29, 2011, in the baby book after hearing about it from her mother, Mollie Bathe-Taylor. Ms Bathe-Taylor was convinced her grandson had what it took to take top honours.

"Put him in, put him in, he's got to win, he's the best," she told her daughter.

Miss Jeffries described the couple's first born as "beautiful" and "very placid".

"He's getting a little cheeky side. He's just all-round absolutely gorgeous. 'What a bonnie boy' is what we always get and people just stand there for ages talking away to him," the proud mum said.

The couple are looking forward to the baby book coming out with the Bay of Plenty Times on February 21 and seeing Kanyon on the cover.

"That's so exciting, I can't wait. We keep saying it's something really nice we can keep for him," Miss Jeffries said.

Bay of Plenty Times new developments manager Gaye Conway said the newspaper's first baby book had received an overwhelming response.

"I just want to thank everyone that took part and made the effort. This will be an annual event for the Bay of Plenty Times now," she said.

While there were 162 baby photos for shoppers to vote on last week, popular demand means the Bay of Plenty Times is extending the cut-off date for the baby book.

To enter your baby, email localclassifieds@bayofplentytimes.co.nz or bring a photo in to the office on Durham St, Tauranga.

Places are open to Western Bay babies born in 2011. Entry in the book costs $25 and includes your baby's photo, date of birth, birth weight and a special message from you. Once printed, copies of the baby book will be available for $1.40 each from the Bay of Plenty Times and branch offices in Waihi, Katikati, Te Puke and Whangamata.