THOUSANDS of people gathered in Ledbury High Street on Boxing Day for the annual tradition of cheering on the Ledbury Hunt.

It is a spectacle going back more that 175 years, to the early years of Victorian England, but the spectacle has remained much the same down the decades.

A grand total of fifty riders gathered, as usual, outside the half-timbered Feathers Hotel, and hunt members enjoyed the usual offering of stirrup cups, before setting off.

Hunt spokesman, Donald Haden said: "Addressing a crowd of several thousand, Joint Master David Redvers said how encouraging it was to have so much support for hunting from such a wide range of the public.

"He reminded everyone that the hunt and it’s members are very much a part of the local community and everyone is welcome to join whatever their background or occupation."

Mr Haden added: "He particularly thanked the hunt staff for their hard work over Christmas and for bringing the hounds out on Boxing Day ."

Since the banning of hunting with dogs, hunts throughout England are obliged by law to follow an artificial trail.

Mr Haden said: "After parading through the town the hounds were taken down New Street passing the Rugby Club and on to Leddington, Kempley and Much Marcle to follow some pre-laid trails before finishing at Hallwood Green."

Spectator Jan Long, who took photographs of the High Street gathering said: "Huge crowds attended the Ledbury hunt spectacular on Boxing day, with red coated riders, hounds and a carnival atmosphere.

"The Silurian Morris Dancers performed and the pubs and shops were packed."

It was a similar celebratory scene in Upton on Christmas Eve, for the traditional gathering of the Croome and West Warwickshire Hunt.

Huntsman, Ben Dalton said: "It was very well-supported; a good turn-out, and I would say there were a couple of thousand people there, to cheer us off. Support is always fantastic in Upton. The town is very good to us."

It was a good turn-out for the riders in Upton too.

Mr Dalton estimated that there were about 60 to 65 riders for the Christmas Eve gathering.

While hunts still generate considerable support in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and despite the now long-standing ban on hunting with dogs, the subject still can arouse considerable debate on both sides of the fence.

The Labour party is promising to toughen up the ban on hunting with dogs in England and Wales, saying it will consult on jailing those caught breaking the law.

And ahead of the Boxing Day hunts, shadow environment secretary Sue Hayman said jail terms would put penalties on a par with those for other wildlife crimes.

An unlimited fine is currently the most severe punishment available.

A spokesman for The pro-hunting Countryside Alliance said: "Labour's "obsessive pursuit of hunting looks increasingly bizarre."

Some 250 packs to met for traditional Boxing Day Hunts, with up to 250,000 people taking part or watching.

Ledbury pictures by Andy Ward and Jan Long.