Crowds line Whitchurch streets for parade of horses
A traditional New Year's Day parade of carriages and horses clattered through the streets of a Shropshire town.
About 100 spectators lined the streets of Whitchurch and nearby villages as the horses made their way from the Raven Hotel Car Park to the High Street. Organisers said they were delighted with the number of people who turned out to watch yesterday's spectacle.
But they were disappointed that only four horses were involved in this year's parade.
Dot Moreland, from the north Shropshire Driving Group, has been organising the annual event for more than 30 years but said she is not disheartened by the small turnout.
She said: "We were down on numbers from last year but the horses we had were very fancy and showy.
"They looked good and there were lots of spectators.
"Everyone was very smart and dressed up, people made a brilliant effort.
"It is just a bad turn out, some people just can't make it, but the event will always carry on because I have been down to just one horse before but I wouldn't give up. I'm not downhearted but I would like to see a few more for the spectators that turn out."
She said the event was still a huge success as the sun was shining and people came from other areas.
"People came from Newport and Wolverhampton to join in," she added.
"It was excellent weather too so we couldn't have wanted for more.
"It is a good way to bring the New Year in and some cheer into Whitchurch."
After journeying through Press Heath and Tilstock the riders, horses and the horse boxes were judged for awards and given a civic reception by the deputy Mayor of Whitchurch, Councillor Rob Hewson, at the town's Civic Centre.
