PROTESTERS and supporters of the annual Tredegar Farmers' Boxing Day hunt in Newport clashed on the traditional display’s return.

Members of varying self-described “saboteur groups”, and those protesting independently, gathered outside the Tredegar Arms pub in Bassaleg offering vocal opposition to the hunt.

Several police officers stood between them and the pro-hunt supporters, with both sides trading verbal blows throughout the morning.

A 27-year-old-man was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and was given a fixed penalty fine.

Placards reading “blood on your hands” and “hunting scum” were waved at the riders as they left the rear of the pub.

One protester, who did not want to be named, said that the group consisted of people from Newport, South Wales and as far afield as Scotland.

“We represent the majority of people who find the sport of ripping animals apart disgusting,” she said.

Another objector, who also chose not be name, added: “We are all united against any form of blood sport.”

The hunt was made up of riders of varying ages and was led by hunt master Ryan Woodfine up Caerphilly Road.

Mr Woodfine thanked supporters for turning up but added that he felt “threatened”.

He said: “It was heart warming and I would like to say a big thank you for the support we received for this tradition.

“It was disappointing in places. I did feel threatened. And for people to wave banners in front of a horse - which is an animal - is not sensible.

“There are better ways for the opponents to express themselves.”

There was a mixture of cheers and jeers as the parade set off along Caerphilly Road.

A traditional hunt parade was also held in Abergavenny by the Monmouthshire Hunt, with more than 200 people turning out to watch in the town centre.

Just after 11am the crowds cheered as hounds, horses and riders rode past from the top of Cross Street and then continued up Holywell Road.

One of those taking part in the parade was Claire Parsons with her two-year-old daughter.

“I have always ridden and have done so since I was a young age,” she said.

“This year though it is my daughter Catrin who will be taking over.

“I am so pleased for her.”

Abergavenny resident Jim Nathan, who was taking pictures of the event, said he attends the Boxing Day hunt “every year”.

“I have been coming for years,” said the 67-year-old. “I have so many photographs of the hunt.

“I was brought up in the country and this used to be a way of life for many of us.

“When I see the hounds running past it gives me goose pimples still.”

Another resident, Doreen Jenkins, said the hunt made her feel “proud” of her roots.

She said: “I think most of us here are from the countryside. Or, at least there is some sort of connection.

“Seeing the hunt makes me proud of my roots. Thank goodness there has not been any protestors.”

-------------------------------

PROTESTERS and hunt supporters are clashing at the Tredegar Farmers’ Hunt this morning.

Argus reporter Niall Griffiths is on the scene, and said he has seen at least one person taken away in a police van.

The annual event sets off from the Tredegar Arms in Bassaleg.

More follows.