AN aspiring astronaut from Greenock has rocketed to the top of a UK-wide baby competition above 150,000 other tots.

Little Ruben Donnelly, who is six and a half months old, impressed judges of the Children's Activities Association 'best dressed child' contest with his out-of-this-world spacesuit outfit.

The costume was pulled together at the last-minute by his mum Emma - with help from his gran and great-gran - for his Rhythm Time toddlers' class at Funworld in Greenock recently.

Ruben then won the regional contest, which covers Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow, and his family were blown away when he landed the UK crown last week.

Emma, 32, who lives in the west end with husband David, said: "We couldn't believe it.

"Over 150,000 children across the UK took part.

"We're over the moon."

The theme for the competition was 'watch me fly' and Emma and Ruben won a £100 retail voucher and lots of toys, including Gazillion Bubbles machines and goodies.

Secondary school teacher Emma, who is originally from Port Glasgow, said: "It was originally for the Rhythm Time class, to dress up as 'something that can fly'.

"My mum made the badge and Ruben's great-gran, Nan Canning, knitted the balaclava so they were especially pleased.

"We threw it together on the Friday night for the Monday morning and I only took the photo five minutes before I left the house!"

Ruben has been attending the the Greenock parent and toddler group since he was barely a month old and his family are donating some of the prize bundle to the class as a 'thank you'.

Emma said: "He's been going there since he was four weeks old.

"It has really helped with his development and things like his listening skills and co-ordination, so we're donating one of the bubble machines to Ruben's Rhythm Time class."