Trio win readers’ hearts
Reporter: Geoff Wood
Date published: 07 October 2008
THE Atkin family of Higginshaw are in a class of their own when it comes to appealing children.
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder. But readers have made 16-month-old Sarah Jayne Atkin an easy winner in the Evening Chronicle’s Top Tots 2008 competition that received thousands of votes from all across the borough.
Good looks were certainly a major factor for this little girl with curly blonde hair. But mum Debra believes her daughter’s jolly personality also comes through in the photos.
And three years ago there was joy in the Atkin household when son Kyle came top in the 18-month to three years category.
But despite such a winning streak, the news of the latest win still came as a shock to Debra.
She said: “It is absolutely fantastic. I have never won anything in my life but the children seem to win everything.”
Husband Darren, a driver, said he was also delighted at the children’s good fortune.
And there was delight too for Rebecca Collins on hearing that her son Tyler James, aged 22 months, had won first prize in the 18 months to three years category.
She said: “This is the first time we have entered and we had no idea that we would win first prize. This is absolutely brilliant.”
Little Tyler is a gem of a boy who has blond hair, big eyes and a cheeky smile — no wonder Chronicle readers found him so appealing.
Meanwhile, Rebecca could not wait to tell partner Callum, a carpet fitter, of their good fortune.
Courtney Arnold has brown hair and brown eyes and is quite a sturdy child.
Now she has delighted her family by winning the three to five-year age category in the Top Tots competition.
Grandmother Julie Smith, who heard the news first, could not wait to rush round to tell Courtney’s father, Daniel, who lives in Afghan Street, Derker, to tell him the great news.
In category A, second place went to Mikey Faulkner and third place to Ryan Walker.
In category B, second place went to Lily Brophy and third place to Milly Stockwell.
In category C, second place went to Lewis Widdall and third place to Ella Norbury.
Great prizes await the winners. All will receive £100 in Asda vouchers and in Adams vouchers.
There is also a prize of a 20ins by 16ins framed canvas style portrait and a seven-night family holiday at Pontin’s.
Second and third prize winners each receive £50 in Adams vouchers
