CHEEKY-faced Daniel Gibson stole the hearts of BEN readers with his angelic smile -- and won his family a holiday in Portugal.

But the St Peter's Primary School youngster was more interested in a shiny trophy handed to him by Bolton Evening Managing Director John Waters and BEN Editor-in-Chief Mark Rossiter.

The trophy will now take pride of place in Daniel's bedroom before he takes it into school for a special prize-giving ceremony during assembly in September.

Mum, Andrea, who owns Andrea Whipp Hairdressing on Deansgate, Bolton, said: "We were amazed that he won. We didn't really think that he would.

"We just had his picture taken so that it would appear in the paper! All he had to do was smile."

The family can now look forward to a holiday in Vilamoura on Portugal's Algarve, courtesy of Aquasun and Virgin Sun.

Daniel also won a £50 outfit from C&A as well as £250 from the BEN.

Surprisingly, it was the boys who all romped home in the contest winning all three category's.

Thousands of BEN readers inundated the paper with their votes for Daniel after 36 finalists appeared in the paper.

The girls failed to get a look in as Callum Smith and Liam Duckers secured the two other top spots.

The BEN's Millennium Child competition was sponsored by Manor, Kay and Foley, Aquasun, Virgin Sun, British Holidays and C&A.

Five-year-old Daniel, who has a one year old brother, Robbie, is said to take after his grandpa John Whipp who is a well-known local jazz drummer.

Daniel, who has his own drum kit at his Halliwell home, said: "My favourite drummer is Big John, my uncle, but I love playing with grandad."

Two year old Callum Smith, from Westhoughton, was voted the winner of the 0 to 2 category.

Callum also won a family for his holiday at a British holiday park as well as £100 from the BEN and a portrait picture.

Pokemon fan Liam Duckers, aged eight, of Bolton won the 8 to 12 year old section taking home tickets for a family holiday in Britain, £100 from the BEN and a portrait.

Line-up of winners, Liam Duckers, Daniel and Callum Smith with, from left Tony Walsh, Anita Charnley, and John Waters and Mark Rossiter of the BEN and Callum's mum Amanda Ref: H3142/4