FREEZING weather conditions halted what could be the last-ever Hampshire Hunt.

The traditional event, which was held on Monday because Boxing Day fell on a Sunday, had to be cancelled because the frozen ground was deemed too dangerous for the animals.

However, about 50 horse-backed members, 31 hounds and hundreds of followers still met at the Fur and Feathers pub in Herriard to show support for the 258-year-old hunt.

Huntsman Bob Collins, who looks after the hounds, said: "Boxing Day is a traditional hunting day every year.

"I think more people have turned up to support us this year than last - we gain more support every time.

"People come along because it's such a spectacle."

The proposed ban on hunting with hounds is due to become law in England and Wales in February, but could be delayed by legal challenges.

Mr Collins added: "The law they were trying to bring in was totally unworkable. They have seen sense now and it's going to go through the courts."

The Countryside Alliance plans to challenge the way the ban was made law in the High Court, and also plans to seek an injunction if it loses, stopping the ban coming into force in February.

Mr Collins, who has been hunting for 36 years, but is retiring at the end of this season in May, said: "Fox hunting is hugely popular and, since this impending ban, our fields have nearly doubled with support."

Huntmaster Simon Harrap has been taking part in Boxing Day hunts for the past 55 years, and attended this year's meet with two other huntmasters, Mark Andreae and Tom Floyd.

It was the first time in five years that the traditional hunt had not been able to take place due to the weather conditions.

Mr Harrap said: "It's a very important day in the hunting calendar, and it's great to see so much support.

"We still turned up on our horses, even though we were not going to hunt, because everyone came to see something."