'We need to fight back': Shropshire hunt's message to government as hundreds turn out to watch traditional Boxing Day meeting
Hundreds turned out to cheer on the Albrighton and Woodland Hunt's annual Boxing Day meet - amid government plans for a fresh ban.
The festive tradition saw scores of supporters packed into Newport Rugby Club before the riders, horses, and hounds set off.
Organisers said that more than 40 riders were taking part, with 23 hounds brought along for the occasion.
Hundreds of people cheered as the riders set off - after a rallying call from Hunt Master, Mark Gilbert, in response to news that the government will look to ban trail hunting - where the pack follows the scent of an animal, rather than an actual animal.
Before the hunt set off Mr Gilbert, who is 55 and has been part of the hunt since he was 10-years-old, said they were delighted to see the number of people turning out to see them off.
He said that the recently announced government position had led to people wanting to show their support.
The rugby club, where the event was hosted, said it was the busiest hunt meeting to date.
Mr Gilbert said: "It is fantastic to get the support we are getting. There is a minority of people out there, including the government, who obviously have an agenda to ban trail hunting, which they have hidden in the animal welfare bill."
He said the turnout showed how the hunt is part of rural life.
He said: "It is part of rural communities. We are part of the rural community, it takes in everyone from working class people to farmers, all walks of life. We are not the landed gentry that people would show us to be."
Charlotte White, from Edgmond, was one of those taking part, on her horse 'Approved Star'.
She said she has been part of the event every year, and she spoke of the atmosphere as one of the key reasons for enjoying the occasion.
Looking at the crowds who had come to watch, she said: "This is why we come, it is the best people you could meet."
After drinking the traditional glass of port before setting off Mr Gilbert addressed the crowd and spoke specifically of the government's threat to ban trail hunting.
He said: "This government does not care about our rural communities."
He added: "We need to stand with our rural communities, and that means the farmers."
Mr Gilbert warned there would be stiff opposition to the government plans, adding: "We need to fight back, and fight back hard."
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