FROSTY but bright and clear conditions drew hundreds of spectators out to watch a New Year's Day hunt.

People of all ages, many with their own dogs, turned out to watch the meet in Ottery St Mary's square.

The horses and hounds of the East Devon Hunt followed a scent trail to Tipton St John, Metcombe, then Venn Ottery.

The event took place at the start of a year in which hunt supporters hope the controversial Hunting Act will be repealed, as pledged by the Conservative Party if it wins the next General Election.

Master of foxhounds Chris Stephens said: "Despite the frosty morning, we had horses and a lot of people turn out to see us, which was nice to see.

"We're just waiting for the Hunting Act repeal to come so we can go hunting legally. Until then we have drag-hunting, following a trail.

"We always get a big crowd. There were about 40 horses and a crowd of about 200 to 300 people in Ottery. There were a lot of children out as well — it was good to see.

"Hunting is stronger than ever. Despite the ban, we have more followers now than we did five years ago."

Jim Perrian, 82, from Otterton, has been following the East Devon Hunt since 1936. He said: "There was a very good turn-out to the Ottery hunt and people give most generous donations. It's the biggest crowd they get — except for Boxing Day of course. I enjoy being out in the country and watching the hounds at work, following the scent and working things out.

"It's tradition, and a part of old England that is vanishing rapidly.

"We all hope the Hunting Act will be repealed, but I wouldn't like to bet on it. It all depends on the election; it is not a foregone conclusion.

"It's a terrible law, whether you are for hunting or against it. That law was an absolute shambles."

Eddie Cook, 81, who lives just outside Ottery, said: "The hounds were so boisterous. I found them engaging to look at.

"There are so many people that are anti. But I think it is more important that people should enjoy themselves."

Mo Mills, from Feniton, was watching the hunt for the first time. She said: "We're on our way to Plymouth and thought we would come here en route. It's tradition — I think it's really nice."

There was no visible presence of anti-hunt campaigners but the League Against Cruel Sports said it was preparing to lobby hard for a continued ban on hunting with dogs.

"We think it's absolutely appalling. It's so outdated and it's not a tradition the vast majority of the public agree with," a league spokesman said yesterday."

The league has launched a dedicated website to monitor the view of parliamentary candidates.