A total of 20 dog owners whose pets were micro-chipped for free by a charity left a total donation of just £3.

The Dogs Trust visited Ongar Town Hall on Monday to raise awareness of the problem of strays and help identify those which are stolen or abandoned.

The procedure can cost up to £15 if carried out at a vet and although free, donations were encouraged.

And despite spending six hours at the town hall and micro-chipping 20 pets, the charity was only given £3.

Town clerk Aimi Middlehurst described the donations as “disappointing”.

She said: “The town council is pleased to continually support this valuable scheme by offering a venue.

“Sadly only £3 was donated which was disappointing as the Dogs Trust is a charity.”

It will be compulsory by law for all dogs to be micro-chipped from April 6.