Boxing Day hunt meets are taking place in town centres in and around Herefordshire this year.

The traditional meets see crowds gather to watch hounds and riders on horseback set off on trail hunts in the nearby countryside.

Some have also been the target of protests in recent years - and another is planned to take place in Ledbury on Boxing Day.

Anti-hunt campaigners say foxes are still being hunted, a practice that was banned in 2004.

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But hunts say they only participate in trail hunting, which involves hounds following a pre-laid scent trail.

Despite the protests, hunts seem to enjoy a lot of support from the public at Boxing Day meets, so we’ve rounded up the events taking place.

Where to see Boxing Day hunts in Herefordshire

Ledbury Hunt in Ledbury

In Ledbury, High Street will be closed from 10.15am and 11.15am as the hunt gathers, with New Street also closing at 11am for 15 minutes.

A protest by the group Ledbury Anti Fox Hunt is also planned to take place between 9.30am and 11am.


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The Ledbury Hunt said: "Please come and show your support, there are also lots of brilliant pubs in Ledbury that will be open for refreshments."

Herefordshire and Clifton Hunt in Leominster

The Herefordshire and Clifton Hunt said that as a newly amalgamated hunt, the decision has been made to hold the traditional Boxing Day meet in Corn Square, Leominster at 11am.

It means there will not be a hunt meet in Bromyard this year.

"We hope you are all still able to join us as you would normally," it said.

"We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."

It means Corn Square will be closed from 10am until 11.30am.

Radnor and West Herefordshire Hunt in Kington

The Radnor and West Herefordshire Hunt is planning to meet in Kington on Boxing Day, as is tradition.

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Mill Street in Kington will be closed form 10.30am until 11.45am as the hunt meets, Herefordshire Council said.

Ross Harriers in Ross-on-Wye

Ross Harriers will meet outside the Market Place in Ross-on-Wye at midday on Boxing Day.

It will be the hunt's 201st Boxing Day meet.

The group said all are welcome to attend and meet the hounds.