A BOXING Day tradition was kept up in Nether Stowey on the weekend when hunters and hounds took to the streets of the village.

Crowds braved the chilly conditions to watch the festive hunt meeting, as riders in bright red jackets paraded on horseback, with their hounds close behind.

Hunt supporters turned out in their thousands across the country on Boxing Day, as speculation grows about the future of the Hunting Act, introduced to Britain in 2005.

The Conservatives say they will offer a free vote on the Act, which bans hunting with dogs, if they get into power at the next General Election.