RIDERS, hounds and onlookers packed Kilkhampton's New Inn car park on Saturday for Tetcott Hunt's opening meet of the new trail-hunting season.

In bright autumn sunshine there was a real buzz — a clear indication that support for hunting is not waning, despite the ban brought in five years ago.

The meet was kindly hosted by licensees Yvonne and Chris Pearce, who provided the traditional stirrup cup and some very tasty snacks. Scarlet coated huntsman Simon Cann with the two whips Steve Jeffery and Peter Gliddon provided a colourful backdrop for this important event in the hunt's calendar.

A hunt spokesman said: "Just look at the large crowd gathered here this morning, clear evidence of the continuing support for this traditional country activity. There are plenty of familiar faces here that will have witnessed similar occasions over many years but it is also refreshing to see many young riders eager to follow the hounds.

"With this kind of support it would appear that hunting has a bright future and even more so should the Hunting Act of 2004 eventually get repealed which would remove much of the pressure we face today."

The Tetcott Hunt meets on Tuesdays and Saturdays, covering an area from Clovelly to Wainhouse Corner and from Bude to Holsworthy. It gives riders access to spectacular countryside including moorland, pastureland and offering beautiful sea views on some days.

The hunt always welcomes newcomers for which there are special introductory subscription offers. Those wishing to find out more about the hunt and the trail-hunting programme for 2010/11 can email the secretary, Diana Stevens, at [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01409 253254.