HARD frost and snowy conditions stopped an annual North Yorkshire hunt going ahead, but about 250 supporters still turned out on foot.

The New Year’s Day Derwent Hunt, which meets at The Hall, in Thornton-le-Dale, was called off due to concerns for the horses’ well-being and fear of possible injury.

The hunt has been in existence since 1808, but this year the meet made do with exercising the horses and hounds along roads that had been cleared of snow and ice.

Richard Morley, joint master of the hunt, said: “This hunt has been going for hundreds of years and it’s important that we continue the tradition.

“The ice and the snow stopped the hunt from going ahead as usual, but we have been lucky over the past years.

“At least the weather held off while we were out with the horses and we could give them some exercise.”

Videos from the Derwent Hunt in Thornton-le-Dale>>