A record number of riders and the biggest crowd of supporters in decades turned out for Ledbury Hunt's Boxing Day meet.

Hunt spokesman Donald Haden said: "In the 36 years that I've been hunting with these hounds I've never seen such a large crowd. There must have been at least 3,000 people on foot and they all gave us a tremendous welcome."

Mr Haden said there were no anti-hunt protesters to be seen in Ledbury High Street.

"We don't normally see them in this part of the country anyway," he explained.

Hunt secretary Helen Smith said: "I counted just over 100 people on horseback, which I think is an all-time record for mounted followers on Boxing Day."

Joint master Paul Smith addressed the massive crowd outside The Feathers Hotel and thanked them for their support.

He was cheered when he expressed confidence that the hunt would be meeting outside The Feathers "for many years to come".

When the library clock struck 11am, huntsman John Holiday sounded his horn and led the hounds up to Top Cross, down New Street and out to Leddington and Preston.

The hounds caught one fox at Hallwood and chased another from Allums Grove, through Kempley, where he made his escape by going to ground on the edge of Ross-on-Wye Golf Club.

The horses and hounds then turned for Dymock, finishing the day at Hallwood Green at 3.30pm.

Mr Haden said: "We had some very good hunting and we were very pleased to see so many young children out on their ponies.

"Many people followed in cars and there was a great feeling of community spirit, as everyone enjoyed this very traditional annual event.

"The Ledbury Hunt will be meeting every Monday and Friday, through to the middle of March, in various local villages."