A HUGE enthusiastic crowd packed into Holsworthy Square on Boxing Day to show their continuing support for hunting despite the ban introduced by the Hunting Act in 2005. But the weather played its part in the Tetcott Hunt's plans for the traditional Boxing Day meet.

Poor conditions underfoot meant no horses but a keen party of foot followers had a great day out with the hounds following a trail laid earlier.

Hunt master Elizabeth Haworth said: "The decision late on Christmas Day to exclude mounted followers was not taken lightly. Safety is of upmost importance and with quite a lot of ice around it was felt far too dangerous for horses and riders alike.

"Going on foot meant we didn't cover as much ground as usual but the huntsman, whips, keen followers and myself kept with the hounds all day. Setting off from Holsworthy the trail took us uphill and down dale through woods and valleys till we reached Affland Moor."

She added: "Another detour saw us reach North Tamerton bridge where at 3pm it was decided to retrace our steps and box up the hounds before darkness. We eventually got back to kennels around 5.30pm at the end of a very good day."

A Tetcott Hunt spokesman said: "Everybody in the hunting world really hopes that the Boxing Day meets across the country in 2009 will be last under the present restrictions imposed by the 2004 Hunting Act. All eyes are set on the next General Election, possibly in May, when a change of government may bring about a repeal of the Act. David Cameron has clearly stated that if the Conservatives form the next Government then ministers will be given a free vote in Parliament."