SEVERAL hundred people turned out to see off the Monmouthshire Hunt on their annual New Year’s Day ride in Monmouth.

The rain cleared to herald the arrival at 11am of around 20 riders with the hounds at the Castle House parade ground before they headed past Osbaston for a day’s hunting on farmland in the Monnow Valley.

The gathering of the hunt was a first outing for Monmouth youngster Theo Walters with Maisey, the little pony he received for Christmas, proudly watched by mum Rachel Walters.

Also cheering on Wyesham’s Kelly Perrella on her horse Comet was young daughter Taylor, who also recieved a pony as a gift named Fudge, and was there with granddad Nigel.

Luckily the rain stayed off as horses and riders enjoyed some four hours of hunting before descending Manson Lane and back to Osbaston.