By RUTH LOGNONNE

Published at 09:08, Monday, 02 January 2012

HUNDREDS of hunt supporters, both on foot and horseback, set out for the traditional Boxing Day meet on Tuesday.

On the trail: The Tynedale Hunt set off from Corbridge Market Place on Boxing Day.

The established hunts started across the district early in the day with riders using fox-scented trails for the hounds to track.

The Tynedale Hunt met as usual in Corbridge Market Place, with riders and hounds taking to the village’s streets.

Joint master Cheryl Lawson-Croome said: “We had a really good turn out and everyone got a drink and a piece of Christmas cake.

“There were about 35 on horseback and there were plenty of followers in cars – the whole thing was very seasonal.

“I think there was more support this time then there has been in the past. When we walked back through the village a lot of the supporters on foot just walked into their houses.

“There was nobody who didn’t want us there and I hope we attended to everyone and made them feel welcome.”

Meanwhile, the Haydon Hunt met in Hexham while the Border Hunt set out from the Percy Arms in Otterburn.

Many involved in the countryside pursuit used the traditional meet to point out that most hunts have a wealth of support.

Fox hunting was outlawed in 2002 – but under the terms of the coalition agreement there will be a vote on whether to repeal the ban.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk