HUNDREDS of people are set to attend the Boxing Day hunt in the New Forest.

The New Forest Hounds (NFH) are meeting at Bolton's Bench, 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 Ferris, joint-master of NFH, said: "Everyone is welcome to come along and spectate."

The annual meet used to be staged outside the Balmer Lawn Hotel but was switched to Lyndhurst for safety reasons.

 

Dr Ferris 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 switched to trail hunting, which involves hounds chasing an artificial scent laid by hunt members on foot.

Dr Ferris 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."