AFTER a turbulent 12 months, the Tetcott Hunt is looking forward to an "encouraging future" with the appointment of a new master.

Elizabeth Haworth will take over from acting master David Wickett at the end of April.

The hunt's former master, Andrew Bozdan, was sacked just two days before his wife Rosemary died last year, leaving him homeless and jobless.

A number of signatures were added to a petition objecting to the hunt committee's decision. But following an extraordinary meeting held in July, supporters backed the committee's decision not to renew his contract.

Mrs Haworth, who rides out regularly with the Tetcott Hunt, runs a dairy herd with her husband Rob in Bradworthy.

She said: "I've been a member of the hunt committee for four years and it is indeed a great honour to be appointed master.

"The Tetcott Hunt operates over a large area and I will endeavour to extend our Tuesday and Saturday meets to try and cover all those parts where we are welcome.

"We operate within the law by trail-hunting but I am sure everybody involved in hunting will be relieved when hopefully the Act preventing hunting foxes with hounds is repealed.

"Lee Peters, our huntsman, along with his partner Lilly, will be starting their second season and I am really looking forward to working with them."

At the hunt's annual meeting Julian Smeeth was re-elected chairman and Barry Butler will continue as treasurer. Secretary Annette Staines will step down once a replacement is found.

And Kivells partner, David Kivell has joined the property trustees.

Mr Smeeth said: "We may have had a few problems during the last year or so but now we are in a strong position to move on.

"We have a dedicated committee with every member working tirelessly to try and make sure the hunting tradition is maintained.

"Our huntsman Lee Peters is very keen and enthusiastic and is proving a very popular member of the hunt. The future indeed looks very encouraging."