A BOXING Day hunt attracted hundreds of spectators from across the West Kent area, many from Sevenoaks.

The icy conditions meant members of the Old Surrey, Burstow and West Kent Hunt at Chiddingstone Castle had to remain on foot rather than mount their horses, but senior master Jeff Pegrum said the event had been a success, attracting 1,500 to 2,000 spectators.

He said: "It was just so icy we wouldn't have been able to stay mounted.

"It went very well. It's a fantastic venue at Chiddingstone Castle. You look out across the valley and it's a nice large open area.

"When we were just the West Kent Hunt, before we amalgamated with the Old Surrey Burstow, it used to be held at Kemsing, and then we moved it to Penshurst."

But the event was relocated to Chiddingstone last year after health and safety fears were raised over the large numbers of people attending.

Mr Pegrum said that instead of hunting real foxes, the huntsmen and hounds chase a fox scent.

The event took place a day later than usual because December 26 fell on a Sunday this year.

One of those who turned up to watch on Monday was Sevenoaks Riding Club member Clare Minto, of Hildenborough.

She said: "It was very well organised this year.

"There was a lovely marquee with lots of mulled wine and food.

"It was very, very crisp and cold – proper Christmas weather – and everyone seemed in high spirits."