INTRODUCING our handsome hounds and super-cute cats.

Today's Daily Gazette is a celebration of national pet month and continues our search for the champion Pet Pawtrait of 2021.

We asked readers to submit pictures of their beloved animals and the deadline closed on 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 north Essex but which is our prize-winner?

You'll find a voting form in today and tomorrow's paper, plus all of this week and next week's weeklies, 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 Gazette 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 www.gazette-news.co.uk/prize-competition-rules and www.gazette-news.co.uk/privacy-policy