Tot wins 14 years after big brother

Marco Baccelini and Jessica Barley have more in common than just being brother and sister.

They are also both winners of the Leicester Mercury Baby and Toddler of the Year competition.

Jessica, 18 months, and her cute looks beat more than 1,200 other youngsters to win this year's coveted title.

What makes it more remarkable for proud mum Joanne Greenwood is that son Marco, now 16, won the same prize in 1998.

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After Saturday's announcement of Jessica's win, we decided to photograph them together with mum, to mark their double victory.

Mum Joanne, 34, from Thurnby Lodge, Leicester, said she was overcome with pride at her children's double triumph. "We couldn't wait to get the paper on Saturday morning," said Joanne. "I can't believe it's happened again.

"When Marco won I was just 20 and I remember it being a great feeling, but for Jessica to do the same is fantastic.

"She adores her older brother and, as soon as she wakes in the morning, she wants to go and find him. He's great with her, too, and is a massive help, giving her baths and getting her to sleep at night.

"Everyone says they look alike and they've got the same curls in their hair and outgoing personality.

"Marco had blond hair when he was a baby, as I did. I think he takes after his grandad Dave and uncle David, where Jessica looks a lot like Kurt, her dad.

"She's very independent and likes to do her own thing and that's exactly how Marco was.

"I'm really proud of them both and love their Baby of the Year pictures."

Marco, who is studying for a diploma in maths, English and computer studies and wants to become a sports coach or PE teacher, said: "I thought Jessica would win as she's a proper little character. It's great having a baby sister and I love her to bits."

Jessica is 20-year-old dad Kurt Barley's first child and Joanne's fifth, with three other boys, Ashley, 15, Brandon, 12, and Cameron, 10, completing the family unit.

"The house is always busy and full of laughter," said Joanne. "I think it's what keeps me young."

"I'm proud of Marco, who is a fine young man. He's a real joker who likes making people laugh, like his little sister."

Kurt said: "Jessica has done me proud winning the competition. It's great to be her dad."

Kurt is only a few years older than Marco and Joanne said the pair were close.

"Kurt has an old head on his shoulders and is much more mature than me in many ways," she said.

"He and Marco get on great, they both love football and are more like pals than anything.

"The main thing for the boys is their mum is happy. We live in a very warm and supportive home and, of course, Jessica keeps us all entertained."

Marco said: "Kurt's a good guy and we get on well."

For Kurt, the only tension comes when his football team Liverpool play Manchester United, Marco's club.

"There's a bit of banter but we get on great. I'm there if he needs me.

"I can see what everyone says about him and Jessica, they both have similar characters."