HUNDREDS of people, young and old alike, packed into Holsworthy Square in support of the Tetcott Hunt’s traditional Boxing Day meet.

The mild dry weather made for a great occasion for this annual event, dating back more than 100 years.

The scene mirrored that across the country where, according to the Countryside Alliance, more than 300 meets took place, attracting over a quarter of a million people.

The Hunting Act brought an end to hunting foxes but permitted hounds to follow previously laid trails and since then the Tetcott has always hunted within the law.

A hunt spokesman said: “We love the Boxing Day meet in the Square in Holsworthy. It is very special because it is so popular with locals and visitors alike and part of the Christmas tradition.

“There is a very strong community involvement in the hunt and days like today make that very clear — bringing the hounds through the centre of the town, among the Boxing Day crowds, was very special and received a fantastic response.

“These hounds were the real stars of the show and they love meeting the public and especially the children at every opportunity.

“The large crowd is a clear indication that the support for hunting hasn’t dwindled since the Hunting Act was brought in, in 2005.

“The hunt is extremely grateful to all those farmers and landowners who allow trail hunting across their land, which enables riders to access areas they would not normally be able to.”

After enjoying a drink or two together with tasty snacks very generously supplied by Jill and Ashley Tallon, licensees of the Kings Arms, the riders left the Square to rapturous applause as they set off to follow the pre-laid trails in open countryside between Holsworthy and North Tamerton.