THE last ever Boxing Day hunt was stopped by icy conditions.
The Cheshire Forest Hunt has traditionally ridden out on Boxing Day from Lach Dennis, but with a ban on the sport due to come into force in February, many thought this year's is to be the last.
Icy conditions around the Duke of Portland public house, where the hunt gathers, forced the meet to be cancelled. Instead, they could do little more than observe the traditional start of the hunt, held a day late as meets are never held on a Sunday, before aborting it.
The ban could be delayed while supporters prepare a legal challenge, and members of the Cheshire Forest Hunt promise they will be back in Lach Dennis next Boxing Day.
Hunt member Matthew Puffer said. He said: 'The hunt did not go ahead as it was dangerous to go out in the village. We were out on Christmas Eve though, and we will be out again tomorrow.'
The poor weather did not put off hunters and their supporters. Mr Puffer said: 'It was the biggest turnout I have seen in the seven years I have been part of the hunt. We will be back there next year.'
Tom Fell, Countryside Alliance regional director for the North West, said he was sure hunting will continue in some form. He said: 'This will not be the last Boxing Day meet. Hunts will continue to hunt in a legal form until the Hunting Act is repealed.'
Mr Fell said
: 'We will continue to fight this unworkable and un-enforceable legislation and ensure that, after the repeal, hunting will survive and emerge stronger than before.'
The League Against Cruel Sports did not protest at Lach Dennis on Monday because of clashes at last year's event.
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