WE all needed a pick-me-up this Christmas after the news of moving into Tier 4 – so here are some comical photographs of our readers’ pets getting into the festive spirit.

We asked Echo readers to get involved and show us their four-legged friends and more exotic pets getting into the jovial spirit ahead of the festivities.

You did not disappoint, with countless sending in adorable and eye-catching snaps. In fact, this is just a selection of pets who enjoyed Santa’s visit.

It has been a year like no other due to the coronavirus pandemic. It took a darker turn last weekend when it was announced south Essex was heading into Tier 4 and the five-day Christmas bubble regulations would no longer be in place following a spike in Covid-19 infections.

The news came as a blow to all of us, with many families’ Christmas plans ruined and unable to go ahead.

While we may have been unable to spend Christmas Day with some of our nearest and dearest this time around, our pets were still there to fill us with joy as we opened our presents.

They have enjoyed spending more time with us than usual during the pandemic - and they loved the attention even more on Christmas Day.

Just looking at these south Essex pets getting festive is sure to brighten your day.