The Heythrop Hunt drew a massive crowd when it gathered for its traditional New Year's Day meet in Stow.

Hundreds watch the hounds and riders muster and Liz Wills, joint master of the hunt, said there were no signs of protest that she saw.

Stow police also reported no problems.

Meanwhile, the hunt has raised £528 for the Penhurst School National Children's Home at Chipping Norton from a collection among spectators at its Boxing Day hunt, which gathered in the town.

Dawn Preston, of the Hunt Saboteurs Association, said: "If the Heythrop Hunt are following laid trails as required by the legislation then good on them. That's what we like to see. We don't have an issue with people in red jackets riding over the countryside providing they take the animal out of the equation.

"That's the future of hunting we want to see. The legislation is not to ban hunting - the rigmarole and ceremony are still there - just don't bother our wildlife."

STOW Square was thronged with 1,500 spectators and 125 riders and hounds for the annual New Year's Day visit by the Heythrop Hunt.

The hunt, which is based at Chipping Norton, set off on laid trails around Lower Swell, Temple Guiting, and Upper and Lower Slaughter.

"We were delighted with the turnout," said joint master Liz Wills. "Every year we seem to get more and more support. It's a very friendly crowd and the day went very well."

Peter and Louise Robinson, of the Old Butcher's in Park Street hosted the hunt, laying on mulled wine and canapes.