Towns and villages across Shropshire and Mid Wales were packed with huge crowds cheering on horses, riders and hounds taking part in traditional Boxing Day hunts.

Despite the hunting ban being introduced two years ago large numbers of wellwishers gathered across the region and some areas were brought to a standstill.

All the hunts were dubbed a success and Ludlow was temporarily brought to a standstill as horses rode through the town centre as residents cheered and clapped.

While in Bishop’s Castle, there were big crowds to support the United Hunt, which set off from the Castle Hotel.

And near Shrewsbury, at Hook-a-Gate, people gathered to support the South Shropshire Hunt.

South Shropshire Hunt master Otis Ferry said the show of support proved that hunting remained popular with the public at large.

He said: “This is the public’s day, when people turn out and show their support. The support for hunting has become stronger in recent times.”

Members of the North Shropshire Hunt headed out from the new Shrewsbury Livestock Market and joint hunt master Ann Carding said the show of support had been tremendous.

She added: “It’s been absolutely smashing and we had a super big crowd out at the cattle market, around 80 on horse back and at least several hundred on foot.”

Members of the Wynnstay Hunt, from Ruabon, also enjoyed a good ride out after meeting up at Malpas, near Whitchurch.

Meanwhile joint master of the Tanatside Hunt, Suzanne Husband, said hundreds of people had turned out to support their meet despite the unseasonal, murky weather.

She said: “There were lots of people lining the High Street to watch the spectacle. We also had around 50 on horseback.”

The hunt then went out into the countryside to hunt within the legislation and members thanked landowners for allowing them to use their land.