Thousands are taking part, watching or following hunts across the west country over the Christmas and New Year period.

Boxing Day and New Years Day are two of the biggest dates on the calendar for those who follow the rural pursuit and the same is true for groups opposed to the practice.

According to the Countryside Alliance, over 300 hunts took place all around the country on Boxing Day with 250,000 expected to attend.

A Countryside Alliance spokeswoman said: “The hundreds of thousands of people – either on foot or mounted on horseback – will fill the streets and market places.

“The annual spectacle is an opportunity for hunts to thank all those who support them, from the farmers and landowners over whose land they ride, to their…