This year’s Kent Messenger Cute Kids competition is underway - and there’s a prize pot to be won totalling £1,000 to be shared among the winners.

It is being held at The Mall, Maidstone from now until Sunday, August 23.

Our photographer will be at The Mall taking pictures of your adorable youngsters from 10am to 4pm Monday-Saturdays and 11am-4pm on Sundays. No appointments necessary - just turn up with your biggest smiles.

The first prize is a £500 Mall gift card, a t-shirt, plus a monthly pass to Kikiland adventure play centre. Second prize is a £250 Mall gift card and Kikiland monthly pass, while the third-placed child will win a £100 Mall gift card and Kikiland monthly pass.

There is no charge to take part in Cute Kids, but the photographer will return the following week to sell copies of the photos to those who wish to buy them.

All pictures will appear in the Kent Messenger on a future date when readers will get the chance to vote for their favourites.

This year’s competition is brought to you in association with the The Mall, Maidstone, Starlight Studios and Kikiland.