SCORES of supporters turned out for the traditional Vale of Lune hunt at Tewitfield on Boxing Day.

A large contingent of horses and riders gathered at The Longlands Hotel for the colourful spectacle.

Three fell runners from the Kendal area laid a 15-mile trail round the stubble fields, roads and tracks.

It took the horses on riders out to Over Kellet and Borwick where there were refreshment stops with warming drinks supplied by hotel staff.

"Considering the weather we were quite shocked by the number of people who turned out," said joint master Alan Richards. "Quite a lot of our neighbouring packs cancelled but we went ahead. We had about 30 riders and hundreds of people were outside The Longlands Hotel to support us.

"It would have been quite easy on Boxing Day morning to wake up and see that the heavens had opened and to have stayed in bed - but people didn't."

Mr Richards said that the traditional ride out with hounds remain popular despite the Hunting Act being in force for a decade now.

"Some of the people who were old school have now stopped and the new people coming in now don't know any other sport than laying the trail," said Mr Richards. "It's now become more of an equine sport."