CROWDS of people turned out to witness the traditional New Year hunt in Hornby today (Monday).

The Vale of Lune Hunt met for the first time in eight years at The Castle Inn before horses and riders set off on a course, which was curtailed due to the poor condition of the rain-soaked fields.

Master of the hunt Clive Richardson said: "It is fantastic to see such a good turnout.

"We are sticking to the old railway route because we have had such a wet December and it is so wet, so it is not fair to go on the land.

"The farmers have been incredibly kind and supportive of us."