The winner of the Gazette & Herald Baby of the Year competition is Gracie-Mae Plumb, of Dixon Way, Calne.

Five-month-old Gracie-Mae has proved herself to be a little battler. At birth, the umbilical cord was wrapped round her neck three times. Now mum Abi Lowes and her partner Neil Plumb, a subcontractor for Gaiger Brothers in Devizes, are celebrating Gracie-Mae’s success.

They receive a prize of £500, a canvas print, a trophy and certificate in the competition which was sponsored by Persimmon Homes Wessex.

Miss Lowes, a registered carer for her mum Patricia, gave birth to Gracie-Mae at Great Western Hospital, Swindon, on December 10, 2012. She weighed 8lbs 8oz.

On the day of the birth, Miss Lowes went to the hospital because Gracie-Mae was late arriving.

She said: “Nurses noticed the baby’s heart rate was dipping and decided to induce her.

“I’m glad I took my mum’s advice and went for a check-up. When she came out she had the cord wrapped round her neck three times and was blue.

“On the photos, even ten minutes after her birth, her hands are quite blue.

“They suspect she might not have made it.”

Of her daughter’s competition success, Miss Lowes said: “I didn’t think Gracie would win, but I’m pleased and shocked. She’s always smiling, apart from the day we took her to have her photo taken.

“I think she’s going to be a chatterbox.”

The runners-up were Harry Webster, put forward by mum Hannah Webster, of Nursteed Road, Devizes, and Jack Jennings, put forward by mum Lesley Johnson, of Bath Road, Chippenham. The runners-up win £250 each, plus a canvas print, a trophy and certificate.