A BIG crowd turned out for the Ledbury Hunt's traditional Boxing Day meet, gathering at the Feathers Hotel to cheer the riders.

Hunt members enjoyed their stirrup cup in High Street before heading off.

Addressing the assembled crowd, joint master Tom Leeke had defiant words for the Government and strong praise for local support in the wake of a ban on hunting with dogs.

Hunt spokesman Donald Haden said: "He emphasised that two world wars and many changes in the countryside had not stopped hunting, and that with the tremendous support that the hunt has from the local community, he was confident that the current ban would soon be overturned."

Hunt secretary Helen Smith said that, taking into account the mounted followers who joined the hunt at Eastnor, there were close to 200 riders out. There were also many followers on bike and foot.

Mr Haden said: "Due to poor scenting conditions, the hounds had some difficulty in finding the false trails that had been laid earlier in the day.

"The scent did improve, however, late in the afternoon. As the hunt worked its way back towards the kennels at Bromsberrow, most supporters reported having had an enjoyable day out riding, across some magnificent open countryside."