ORGANISERS of Ledbury's Boxing Hunt say record numbers turned out to support the spectacle this year.

Hunt spokesman Donald Haden said the crowd in the town centre had more than doubled in a year with nearly 5,000 attending, compared to 2,000 last year.

He said: "A crowd estimated to be close to 5,000 attended, showing their support for this ever popular event which has now taken place in the town for more than 170 years.

The huge turnout showed support for hunting in the local area "has never been stronger", according to hunt joint master David Redvers.

Hunting with hounds has been banned, and the Ledbury Hunt follows an artificial trial for its meets but the enduring tradition of cheering on the hounds and riders in Ledbury town centre seems more popular than ever.

Yet anti-blood sports charity the League Against Cruel Sports has suggested that opposition to repealing the ban has risen steadily since it was introduced in 2005.

It states fox hunting is cruel and scientific evidence shows animals targeted in hunting suffer physical and mental stress when chased by a hunt - whether or not they are eventually killed.

Mr Haden said: "As always on Boxing Day the centre of Ledbury was packed with horses and hounds marking the tradition of fox-hunting in this area with a celebration drink kindly provided by The Feathers Hotel.

"Taking part were about 60 members mounted on their well turned out horses including one young lady riding side-saddle wearing a traditional silk hat and veil.

"David Redvers, a Joint Master of the Ledbury Hunt, made a short speech welcoming everyone present in particular well known local character Ivor Stephens aged 94 still mounted on his horse, looking resplendent as always in his red coat."

Mr Stephens, a D-Day veteran, is believed to be the oldest person in the UK who still rides with a Hunt.

Mr Haden said: "In his speech, David Redvers made the point that despite changes in the law a few years ago support for hunting has never been stronger and he expects hounds to be present in the town on Boxing Day for very many years to come."

Ledbury town councillor, Martin Eager said it was the biggest crowd he could recall, "maybe 4,000 plus, you could not move in the High Street".

At 11am sharp huntsman Mark Melladay blew his horn and took the hounds followed by all the mounted followers up the Homend before turning by the Old Hospital and returning to Feathers Hotel.

Mr Haden said: "It was a lovely sunny day and as always this provided a wonderful sight as with much blowing of the horn and cheering from everyone present, the hounds and horses rode up to the top cross before turning right and parading down New Street, passed the Full Pitcher and on towards the rugby club."

The hounds were then taken to Leddington, and the area around Dymock where they followed scented trails that had been laid earlier before the hunt finished at 4.30pm at Hallwood Green.