HUNDREDS of people gathered for the annual Boxing Day Tredegar Farmers' hunt today.

Around 300 people gathered at the Tredegar Arms pub in Bassaleg for mince pies and mulled wine before watching the hunt off along Caerphilly Road.

Around 11.15am around 35 horses and 30 hounds set off on the trail following a scent which had been previously laid.

Before the hunt left the car park and went past the hundreds that lined the streets, Master of the Hunt, Howard Jones,85, thanked members of the public and staff at the Tredegar Arms for the great turn out and support.

The hunt was Mr Jones’ 46th season as Master of the Hunt after he first joined in 1947. He said: “I have been doing this for over 60 years and it has become a Boxing Day tradition.

“I think that is why it’s so popular, because it’s held every year and we get so many people come out and see us.”

Around 30 English hounds joined the hunt, which are mostly bred by Mr Jones.

Kera-Jean Crook, 16, has been horse riding for around nine years and has taken part in several of the Boxing Day hunts.

She said: “I think so many people take part and come down to watch because we all enjoy it and it’s a good thing to do on Boxing Day.”

Youngest member of the hunt, Levi Williams, four, was awarded “best turned out” by Mr Jones. This was Levi’s first hunt after his auntie, Adele Williams, got him involved.

She said: “I’ve been into horses all my life and I’ve rode in hunts and we have brought him every year down to the Boxing Day hunt, but after he got his horse Buzz, he decided he wanted to take part! He’s been more excited about today than he was for Christmas.

Levi, who is part of the Gwent Riding Academy said he was so excited to be in the hunt today and loves horse riding and his pony club.