Crowds gathered at the quay in Kingsbridge to watch the Dart Vale and South Pool Harriers meet for the annual Boxing Day Hunt.

Riders and hunt supporters alike congregated on Tuesday morning, with a few hundred spectators watching from the quay car park, creating a great atmosphere.

The Chairman of the Hunt, Richard Darke, welcomed riders and spectators to the meet, explaining the trails that had been laid out for the hounds to follow.

All horses were immaculately turned out, with many wearing some Christmas tinsel to celebrate the festivities. The Creeks End supplied mulled wine and refreshments to help the riders keep warm throughout the day.

Before too long, the hunting horn sounded to signal the start of the days ride. Horses' ears pricked up and the hounds jumped into action as the Master of the Hunt, Emlyn Jones led the field away from the quay to applause from the crowd.

Spectators cheered as the hunt staff and riders followed the hounds away from the Town Square to ride towards Derby Road.

Before the field had even made their way out of Kingsbridge, a few riders made their way back home, probably to avoid the imminent rain.

The field went swiftly towards the rugby club, round the back of Kingsbridge towards Bowcombe, where the horses got a break from the roads with a large stretch of un-metalled road.

The weather held up for the morning as the field moved towards Chilington and Frogmore, with the hounds swiftly catching on to the scent.

As the riders moved towards Keynedon Barton, the field had a perfect view of the hounds and hunt staff following the trail.

Followers of the hunt, on foot and in vehicles got fantastic views of the sport as the field moved beyond Kingsbridge.

Despite the mud, it was still a fast day, with plenty of opportunity to have a good gallop with kind permission of local farmers and land owners. However, the previously immaculate horses and riders, returned home with a splattering of red mud.