HUNDREDS of people are set to attend a traditional Boxing day hunt in the New Forest.

The New Forest Hounds will be meeting at Bolton's Bench in Lyndhurst to undertake their traditional festive trail hunting event.

Those taking part in the hunt should meet at 10:45am before setting off at 11am.

Dr Graham Harris, joint master of The New Forest Hounds said: "Everyone is welcome to come along and spectate."

The annual meet used to be staged outside the Balmer Lawn hotel but in previous years for safety reasons it was moved.

Dr Harris said: "We moved the meet to Bolton's Bench as the layout is much safer for the keeping the hounds and horses separate.

"It is also a much better view for spectators."

Spectators who wish to attend are advised to park in the village and walk to the hill-lock.

Hunting with dogs was outlawed more than ten years ago but the NFH and many other packs have switched to trail hunting, which involves hounds chasing an artificial scent laid by hunt members on foot.

Last year was filled with controversy in regards to the trail hunting and there was a proposal to ban it on land owned by the National Trust.

The proposal however was narrowly defeated at the charity's annual meet.

Chris Pitt, Deputy Director of Campaigns at the League Against Cruel Sports, said:" The hunts invented trail hunting when the hunting ban came in to cover up their illegal activities.

" They falsely claim to lay and follow trails but all the evidence compiled by people monitoring their activities is that this is simply a deception to fool the public while they indiscriminately target and kill foxes.

“With over 85% of people opposing all forms of hunting with hounds, there is strong support for British wildlife being given robust protection from those who kill for fun and for the Hunting Act to be strengthened.

"How can we call ourselves a civilised nation when those who gain entertainment from attacking wildlife continue to go unpunished by the law?”

Dr Harris said: "Coming to the Boxing day hunt is a traditional part of people's Christmas.

"More and more people are taking part each year including a lot of young people which is great for the New Forest Hounds.

"Trail hunting is completely legal and people should come along and see the meet for themselves

"I anticipate that it will be another successful year."