HUNDREDS of wellie-clad people and their working dogs turned out for the annual Boxing Day hunt in Chipping Norton.

The crowds flooded into town to see the annual Heythrop Hunt tradition set off for another year.

Horses, riders and hounds set off once again from outside the Fox Pub in Market Place.

The square was crammed with people eager to watching the spectacle as riders took to horseback.

But not forgetting to pause for a sip of port before heading on.

This year's event marked the tradition's 193rd year that huntsmen have headed out with horses and hounds in tow.

But riders can only follow ascent trail laid out before the hunt sets off, as a result rules noted in the Hunting Act that was introduced in 2004.

Riders of all ages took to horseback, from young to old, and donned tinsel alongside the traditional Tweed.

The master of the Heythrop Hunt was Simon Lawrence who welcomed everyone back again for another year, as well as thanking the town and its residents for it's warm welcome.

But not everyone was happy to see the long-running tradition return as a small group of protestors gathered on the town hall steps.

The event has been criticised by animal rights campaigners in the past and once again protestors were keen to shun the event.

The group held up signs which said "Keep the ban" and "Hunts Kill Foxes".

Other traditions that have been kept part of the annual Heythrop Hunt include riders being given port by The Fox Pub, on Market Place, before setting off on the scent trail.

Former riders of the Heythrop Hunt include former Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron, who rode with it six times.