BIG TURN OUT FOR HUNT

IT was the biggest Southdown and Eridge Hunt meet seen at Lewes for more than decade.

Nearly 1,000 people lined the streets outside the White Hart on Boxing Day morning as 135 riders and horses with their dogs met outside the hostelry for their annual traditional stirrup cup.

By contrast, there were only half a dozen protesters to be seen, a far cry from the days when hundreds of demonstrators, some disguised by balaclavas, heaped abuse on the Huntsmen and women.

Hunt chairman Colin Evans said: 'It was a lovely morning and the crowds were so great that we had difficulty moving up the High Street.

'The small group of protesters were not aggressive. I went over to explain that we no longer hunted foxes but I don't think they believed me.'

The Hunt then went off onto to the Downs and tracked to the other side of Kingston Ridge. From there they followed scent lines to Northease Farm.

The Southdown and Eridge is half-way through its hunting season which usually involves 70 meets.