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

The mild dry weather made for a great occasion for the 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 showing their support for hunting.

Joint master Diana Stevens was delighted with the huge support shown.

She 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.

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

“We were delighted that the King’s Arms has reopened and the hospitality shown by licensees Jill and Ashley Tallon was outstanding. Last year we were very well looked after too by the White Hart who stepped into the breach whilst the Kings Arms was closed.

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

A familiar face among the crowds was that of Geoffrey Cox, Conservative MP for Torridge and West Devon, who said he was very impressed with the turnout and congratulated huntsman Simon Cann on the magnificent condition of the hounds.

Diana added: “It’s important for us to meet in the centre of town on Boxing Day to show our support to the farmers and landowners who allow us to trail hunt across their land and also to see those of our supporters who maybe only come out once a year.

“Trail hunting is enjoyed by young and old alike and a real family affair on Boxing Day with the youngest rider three-year old Holly Cann, the daughter of Simon Cann the huntsman and Amy Friend who was leading her.”

The 9 and 11-year-old daughters of Diana Stevens were also riding and love following the hounds across country even if it means getting muddy.

The hounds and riders left the Square to applause as they set off to follow the pre-laid trails in open countryside between Holsworthy and North Tamerton.