HOUNDS, horses and a huge crowd greeted the historic Boxing Day Ledbury Hunt - marking another year in the tradition that has been going on since 1846.

More than 70 members of the hunt were on horses outside the Feathers Hotel, including well known local character Ivor Stephens at the ripe old age of 92.

Joint Master David Redvers addressed the crowd assuring them that despite the current ban on foxhunting in it's traditional form, now in it's tenth year, that the Ledbury Hunt was in good order, was "continuing to hunt twice each week" during the season and "would continue to do so for many years to come".

Donald Haden, spokesman for the hunt said that they were actively involved in a nationwide campaign to persuade Parliament to overturn the ban and were confident that this could be achieved within the foreseeable future.

After enjoying refreshments provided by the Feathers Hotel thehHunt staff and Joint Masters took the hounds up to the old hospital in the Homend before turning.

Accompanied by all the mounted followers, they rode up through the huge crowds to the top cross and down New Street, heading towards Wall Hills and Putley in search of scented trails that had been laid earlier in the morning.

Horses decked in tinsel were on display with their riders enjoying a glass of warming wine, whilst the unleashed dogs mingled with the crowds much to the interest of domesticated dogs on leads who were keen to get to know their four-footed acquaintances.

Despite the day being cold and grey, wearing his own equally colourful ceremonial costume was the Town Crier, Bill the Bell Turberfield who posed happily for photographs whilst speeches were made and greeted with enthusiastic applause.