AS part of national pet month, we are giving you the opportunity to vote for the Echo’s top Pet Pawtrait of 2021.

We asked readers to submit pictures of their beloved animals before the deadline closed last Sunday.

Whether it’s a doting dog, cuddly cat, rabbit, hamster, fish or something more unusual, we’re a nation of animal-lovers and pets are a special, cherished part of so many households.

As these fantastic pictures show, we’re clearly no different here in south Essex. But which of the pets will be crowned as our winner?

You’ll find a voting form in each edition of the Echo and now it’s down to you to decide who wins our £100 gift card.

Make sure you clearly include the number of the pet you are voting for and send your forms to Echo Pet Pawtrait, Unit 1 Brunel Court, Brunel Way, Severalls Industrial Estate, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9XP.

Newsquest terms and conditions apply and the closing date for vote forms is April 30.

For more details, visit newsquest.co.uk/prize-competition-rules and newsquest.co.uk/privacy-policy.