Thousands pack Ludlow town centre for Boxing Day hunt

The traditional meet met at the Town Square and castle to see the hounds, hunt staff and mounted followers.

A spokesperson for Ludlow Hunt said: "This traditional meet helps to support the local economy as many shops, cafes and pubs in Ludlow benefit from our presence. 

A round 3,500 people watched the hunt (Image: Jan Reynolds)

"Every person who supports hunting in any capacity is encouraged to sign up to the joint Countryside Alliance and BHSA initiative which will enable everybody to help protect hunting’s future.

"Please head over to www.countryside-alliance.org to sign up and help protect the future of our lovely hounds."

The hunt attracted a large crowd in Ludlow town centre (Image: Jan Reynolds)

The Hunting Act 2004 bans the hunting of most wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales, subject to some strictly limited exemptions.

Trail-hunting is therefore used where a scent is placed for the hounds to hunt. 

The Ludlow Hunt make their way through the town centre (Image: Jan Reynolds)

However, anti-hunt organisations allege it is 'just a smokescreen' which enables hunts to still take place legally.

There were protesters at some of the many hunts that took place in the country on Boxing Day.