Dog owners and their pets converged at a free microchipping event on Wednesday (August 26).

Dogs Trust, a national dog charity, hosted the event at the Roding Valley Recreational Ground in Roding Road in Loughton.

The event was designed to give owners the chance to chip their beloved pets to help them reunite if they ever become lost.

Spokeswoman Hannah Baker said: “Microchipping is a simple and effective procedure which we believe is the most successful tool in helping reunite lost dogs with their owners.”

The event also featured an agility course, free neutering and health check vouchers for hounds and their owners.

The day was held ahead of a deadline on April 6 2015, when every dog owner in England will be legally required to chip their dogs.