Hundreds of people turned out to support a traditional hunt.

The Essex Farmer and Union Hunt met on New Year’s Day at the Blue Boar, in Maldon, to parade down the high street and take part in a short trail hunt.

Secretary Tracy Garner said: “There were about 40 horses which took part and there was very good support on foot.

“This year we remarked how much support there was.

“Everyone enjoyed meeting the hounds and the horses.

“There were a lot of families and the children love to stroke the horses and the dogs and there was a great range of people there from young and old.

“One older man in particular had a hound that took a liking to him - it made his day.

“There was a small group of hunt protesters there, but they definitely didn’t spoil a good day.”