Scores of clapping and cheering spectators were outside the Bucks Head pub in Meonstoke to watch the annual Boxing Day Hursley Hambledon Hunt set off.

The spectacle attracted about 60 riders of all ages, and before leaving the pub in the picturesque village, the riders downed a traditional stirrup cup.

The hounds, horses and riders followed a pre-laid trail in countryside around Meonstoke, affording hundreds of supporters the chance to watch them go by.

Hunts are held across the country on Boxing Day.

Some 250 packs from Cornwall to Cumbria were estimated to have met for the traditional festive event – and it is thought up to 250,000 people nationally took part or watched the ride-out.

Fox hunting was banned in 2004 following a long-running campaign by animal rights activists.

Since then, the pursuit of live animals has been replaced by trail hunting.

This sees a dedicated team of trail layers drag a scent infected cloth by foot, quad or horseback for the hounds to follow.

n See next week’s Post for more exclusive photographs of the hunt by Malcolm Wells.