Hunt supporters in defiant mood (From Western Telegraph)

Hunt supporters in defiant mood

Pembrokeshire's two fox hunts reported record turnouts for what could be the last legal Boxing Day meet.

Braving heavy showers at Haverfordwest and Cresswell Quay, huntsmen were in defiant mood, vowing that this would not be the last Christmas they would practise their sport.

Enthusiasts were in festive mood for the traditional Boxing Day meets - delayed by a day because December 26th fell on a Sunday - and determined to celebrate, regardless of what the future may hold.

The volume of people and traffic at the Cresselly Arms, Cresswell Quay, brought the approach roads to a standstill. Motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles in the road and walk the remaining distance on foot.

Horses, hounds and supporters were crammed together around the pub, where mulled wine and mince pies were enjoyed by the crowd. Landlord Maurice Cole said it was the largest crowd he had seen.

Among the gathering of more than 1,000 supporters was Simon Hart, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance. The Alliance starts its legal challenge to the Government's Hunting Act later this month.

Mr Hart, a previous joint master of the South Pembrokeshire Hunt, watched the hunt on foot as more than 100 horses galloped across the countryside.

The Hunt's joint master, James Andrews, said the size of the turnout was indicative of how people felt.

"There are more people here than we've had for many years,'' he said.

At least 115 riders took part in the meet at Castle Square, Haverfordwest, the Pembrokeshire Hunt's biggest-ever turnout.

A thousand news sheets setting out the Hunt's strategy post-February 18th had been printed and were distributed to the crowds.

The League Against Cruel Sports had urged its protesters to stay away and the day passed off peacefully at both meets.