HUNDREDS turned out to see the spectacle of the Boxing Day hunt at Brocklesby And South Wold Hunt in Louth.

The centuries-old tradition continued yesterday in Brocklesby and it was more popular then ever, with many onlookers enjoying the unseasonable sunshine.

Last year was a very different scene with treacherous snow and the hunt had to take place on quad bikes.

Led by the Earl of Yarborough, the hunt has been taking place on his family's estate for more than 400 years.

One family were excited for the hunt to begin. Pete and Lucy Hort attended with their two young children Katie and Adam.

Lucy said: "It used to be an annual event for me to hunt on Boxing Day, but now we have moved to Derby, we can only attend when we come and visit family here.

"I really enjoy the social aspect of it and the tradition is very much upheld. It is magical here."

Hugo Read, 6, of Little Limber, was taking part in the hunt for the first time, with his mother Sally by his side.

Hugo said: "I am riding my pony Hattie and I like going around the fields.

"It is so much fun getting the pony ready by plaiting it and then riding with everyone."

John Goode, master of the hounds, is in charge of 39 old English hounds.

He said: "I cannot wait to set off. We are out until dusk.

"It is brilliant fun."

Lauren Bennett, 12, of North Killingholme, was riding her pony Basil. She said: "I go hunting most Saturdays with my sisters.

"I really enjoy it and it makes it extra special today because it is festive. The weather is good, but it doesn't feel like Christmas.

"Jumping is my favourite part of the hunt and, of course, galloping."

Meanwhile, a larger following of supporters than normal turned out to cheer the South Wold Hunt Boxing Day meet at Louth Cattle Market.

After its cancellation last year due to severe ice and snow, this year's meeting was almost spring-like as hounds and hunters enjoyed temperatures of 13C.

There were no barriers at the traditional venue this year to separate the crowd and the hounds and about 20 riders.

Hunt Master Nick Ashcroft said: "There would not be any barriers if they all came out on the hunt, so we don't see the point here."

He knew every one of the couples by their name, and kept strict control over the hounds, calling any of them walking astray back.

"It is like being a schoolteacher," he joked, praising the good attendance of several hundred supporters and visitors.

He said: "We always get wonderful support in Louth. It is tremendous.

"We have had fantastic weather and we are glad to see everyone enjoying it."

After the gathering at the cattle market, he led the hunt, which was established in 1822, out of Louth towards Hallington.

They pursued a line dragged by Chris Wilkinson, of Yarborough, on Bess. The smell of the sock left a scent for the hounds, which was laid about 20 minutes ahead of the pack.

He said: "It is great being ahead of the hounds."

Hunt supporter Nick Wyman enjoyed the spectacle with his daughters, Olivia, 15 months, Sophie, 5, and Abigail, 7.

He said: "It is good for the town bringing so many people in for the day and it keeps the traditional alive.

"The weather has been great and all the family has enjoyed it."

Accompanied by her son, Edward, Karen Elvin, of Louth, said: "It has been brilliant. It is lovely to see the turnout after last year was cancelled. We come every year."