HUNT supporters lined the streets as members of the Tetcott Hunt gathered for their first meet of 2010.

Organisers said the crowd outside the Tree Inn in Stratton on New Year's Day was even bigger than last year.

Some 40 horses took part and for many riders it was the first time they had ridden to hounds.

Members said it was lovely to see such support, particularly following the disappointment of Boxing Day when the group met in Holsworthy Square but was restricted to foot followers because of the icy conditions.

Huntsman Simon Cann, together with whips Jeremy Weeks and Steve Jeffery led the field out of Stratton, along the valley and towards Marhamchurch.

Master of the hunt, Elizabeth Haworth, said: "It was lovely to have such good weather and to see so many people turning up to show their support.

"Following the disappointment of Boxing Day, which was restricted to foot followers due to the frozen ground, it was so nice to have almost 40 horses out and for a number of riders it was the first time they had ridden to hounds.

"It was a really good day's hunting with hounds following the trail laid along the valley on the right hand bank of the river towards Marhamchurch."

New Year's Day heralds the start of the second half of the season and trail hunting will continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays until the end of March.

For more information call hunt secretary Kevin Wheeler on 07970 322474.