COUNTRYSIDE enthusiasts turned out in force to show their support for the traditional Boxing Day hunts across Gloucestershire.

Although icy conditions meant it was impossible for the events to go ahead, it did not stop huntsmen from saddling up to show the tradition is still alive and well in the county.

Horses and hounds of the Cotswold Hunt arrived at the Frogmill in Shipton Oliffe to greet their supporters.

Rosie Vestey, joint master of the hunt, said: "It was great to see how many people came along and it shows support for hunting in this area is as strong as ever. Although it was a shame we could not go ahead and lay a trail, it would have been impossible given the conditions.

"But we wanted to come out anyway as a way of saying thank you to our supporters.

"The Boxing Day hunt is one of the great traditions in Gloucestershire at this time of year, and we are determined to be back next Boxing Day – weather permitting."

More than 250 people turned up to see the traditional countryside spectacle, with children particularly keen to get a glimpse of the hounds.

Meanwhile, members of the Beaufort Hunt, which met at Worcester Lodge in Didmarton, observed a similar ritual.

Hunt spokeswoman Jo Aldridge said: "The conditions were so icy underfoot so and we didn't want to endanger the horses by going ahead.

"But we wanted to say hello to all our loyal supporters who came out in spite of the weather."

Elsewhere the Vale of the White Horse hunt met at Cirencester Park, as is tradition.