IN PICTURES: Thousands line Shropshire streets to see Boxing Day hunt

Crowds gathered in St Mary's Street, Newport, to see off the riders and hounds from the Albrighton and Woodland Hunt.

The enforcement of the Hunting Act brought in more than 10 years ago bans the hunting of wild animals such as deer and foxes, but the riders instead followed trails of scent.

Around 50 riders took part in the hunt and more than 2,000 people turned out to see them off in Newport.

The riders paraded their horses in the street as the crowd gathered during the morning.

Richard Maddox, one of the masters of the hunt, said: "We are hunting within the law.

"The support we have every year is tremendous. It's the reason we survive."

He said around 2,500 people had turned out to see the hunt get under way on Saturday.

The 53-year-old, of Pattingham, added: " We exercise the hounds over the fields.

"They follow trails. We can be out for four to five hours.

"It is a tradition. I enjoy the riding and watching the hounds. I enjoy the whole day.

"We are just keeping things together for when the ban is lifted."

Julian Hill, secretary for the hunt, said: "It's always very popular. They have been meeting in Newport for over 30 years.

"The Boxing Day meet has always been a tradition. It's a great social occasion.

"They can ride 15 to 20 miles and will ride across fields.

"There will be an occasional ditch or fence to jump."

Around 1,000 people also gathered to see 50 riders depart on another hunt from Hagley Hall, Stourbridge, on the same day.

And more people headed outdoors to support a hunt which met at Ludlow Castle and set off through the town centre.