HUNDREDS of people gathered in Chipping Norton to catch a glimpse the Heythrop Hunt as it held its traditional Boxing Day meet. 

Horseriders left Market Place in the town with their hounds at 11am. 

The event is in its 190th year but has hunted a scent rather than a fox since the Hunting Act was introduced in 2004. 

Master of the Hunt Charles Frampton was among those in Market Place. 

Mr Frampton, who has been a master since 2012, said: "The hunt is always very well supported in Chipping Norton.

"The hounds have been kennelled here for 150 years.

"The weather is nice and clear for a change and I am looking forward to it."

Earlier on Boxing Day it was reported that Sports Minister Tracey Crouch had said fox hunting was a thing of the past and should be "consigned to history."

Mr Frampton said: "I don't want to make any political remarks but we are still here, aren't we?"