DOZENS of riders and hounds took part in the traditional New Year's Day Derwent Hunt.

The annual hunt runs across the Ryedale countryside from outside The Hall in Thornton-le-Dale, with dogs and riders on horseback following a scented trail.

Julie Snowden, hunt secretary, "a lovely atmosphere" and "everyone was in good spirits" for the event.

She said: "With a lot of the rain we've had, it's been a bit of a damp season, but we have had a lot of support which has been fantastic and it's gone well. There were about 40 out today, riders and hounds, which is slightly less than normal but I think that's down to the weather which put a lot of people off a bit. We've had a lot of followers as well as a nice show of support from non-riders. It's all gone smoothly.

"We're very grateful for the support of all the landowners and famers for letting us continue going across their land with horses and hounds and all the other supporters allowing us to continue our sport, without them we wouldn't have it."