The Albrighton hunt in Newport. Huntsman Martin Livy with the hounds.

The Albrighton hunt rides through the streets watched by a crowd of hundreds

Hundreds of people braved icy weather and snow to turn out for the biggest event in the hunting calendar in Shropshire.

Around 1,500 enthusiasts were at the Boxing Day Albrighton hunt, which was this year held in Newport. Others on Saturday included the Wheatland hunt held near Bridgnorth.

Clare Rowson, Midlands regional director for the Countryside Alliance, said today: “The weather meant there were no mounted followers as it was too dangerous for the horses.

“The support was tremendous. Ironically, since the 2005 hunting ban came in, numbers just go up and up. This could be the last run of Boxing Day hunts due to the hunting act, but there is a lot of determination amongst the hunting community and general supporters to repeal the act,” continued Miss Rowson.

Hunt master Ann Carding added: “We had the hounds out because it’s part of the tradition.”

Under the 2005 hunting ban, the hunting with dogs of all wild mammals is an offence. However, it does not stop people riding with their dogs.