THE Croome and West Warwickshire Hunt will thank the emergency services when it holds its annual Christmas Eve meet in Upton.

A cheque for £15,000 is to be handed over to the County Air Ambulance by Jacky Allen, a member of the hunt and founder of the Countryside Sports Appeal.

The appeal was launched to support the organisation that has helped injured hunt members on several occasions.

Ms Allen will present the money to Paul Wier, the chief of Air Ambulance fundraising.

"We are delighted to hand over the proceeds of our hunting activities to such a worthwhile and vital service. It is immensely important that we, the country sports community, help the air ambulance as much as we possibly can," she said.

"Many people in rural areas owe their lives to the air ambulance, a lifesaving service offered at no expense to the general public."

The presentation will take place outside the King's Head, Upton, at 11am, before the traditional hunt begins. A party atmosphere is expected in town with Father Christmas making an appearance on horseback. Carols will be sung and mince pies served.

Nicky Driver, community liaison officer for the hunt, said anyone was welcome and hoped that even more people would attend than the 500 last year.

"We've worked really hard to make sure that more people than ever before come out and support us this year," she said.

"We've advertised our meets, put posters up in the local shops and extended an open invitation for everyone to come and join us in a celebration that has remained unchanged for centuries."

Ms Driver said no mention of hunting in the Queen's Speech suggested the Government was backing off on a hunting ban.