THE unseasonably mild Boxing Day weather proved perfect for the viewing crowds who turned up in their droves for the Boxing Day Meet of The Vale of Lune Harriers.

The Boxing Day meet is always a popular one and this year it was once again hosted by the Longlands Hotel at Tewitfield near Carnforth and the horses and spectators began to gather from 10am.

The crowd was bigger than ever this time and the atmosphere electric when the huntsman and hounds finally arrived.

The Lady Masters welcomed the crowd and mounted followers wishing them a Merry Christmas,

Handing over to the Huntsman for his traditional address, before ‘Mr Fox’ snook through the crowd to ‘tease’ the hounds before setting off ahead of the Hunt.

There was much cheering in support of the the Hunt as they moved off at noon followed by many in vehicles and on foot, and hunt officials said that overall the support was tremendous.

Huntsman Stephen Shepley was on hand to ensure all went smoothly as were the two Lady Masters Melanie Brook MH and Karen Kenyon MH.