Hunt attracts 1,000-plus

SAMERA KHATOON

MORE than 1,000 hunting enthusiasts have gathered for an annual Boxing Day event.

Members of the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt gathered at Blithfield Hall, near Abbots Bromley, at 10.45am on Boxing Day for the largest meet that they have hosted.

The hunt, the oldest in the Midlands, attracted 70 mounted followers and more than 1,000 people who followed the riders on foot.

Joint master of the hunt Richard Parrott said: "It's a tradition of meeting at Blithfield Hall because we've been meeting there for over 30 years and we've had the largest turn-out this Boxing Day.

"It passed all our expectations. I think that the most people we've had before is 700 and it's wonderful to have so many people come out and support us."

On the day the hunt raised money for Clic Sargent, a charity which is dedicated to helping children beat cancer, after a member's son battled the disease.

Mr Parrot emphasised that the hunters no longer chased foxes but followed a pre-laid scented trail.