THE scene is set for a Boxing Day tradition which has seen crowds gather in Corbridge Market Place for decades.

The Tynedale Hunt’s annual festive meet often attracts hundreds to the heart of the village as riders and hounds meet the public before setting off on a trail through the countryside.

Come rain or shine the vibrant red of the jackets of the hunt masters are unmistakeable.

But the members of the Tynedale Hunt, pronounced ‘Tindle’ to reflect to original spelling at the time when the hunt was first created, are not alone.

For the Haydon Hunt and Border Hunt all have long-standing traditions to gather for a Boxing Day meet too – with Santa Claus himself as a regular visitor to the Border meet.

Formed in 1839, the Tynedale Hunt is based at kennels located on Stagshaw Bank, just north of Corbridge, and operates in an area ranging roughly from the Tyne to the Wansbeck and from Hexham to Ponteland.

Despite the ban on hunting introduced in February 2005, members say it remains a thriving organisation that attracts active support from hundreds of people of all ages and from all walks of life, who believe that hunting must be sustained as a viable and important part of life in the countryside.

Huntsman and joint master Charles Shirley-Beavan, runs the Tynedale Hunt along with joint masters Sheila Eggleston, Caroline Dickinson and Cheryl Lawson-Croome.

Sheila said: “We can often have up to 50 or 60 hourses out and it’s always lovely to see supporters and young children who come to meet the hounds.

“People think they’re ferocious but they’re really not.”

Such is the sense of community surrounding the long-standing Corbridge fixture that local greengrocer Rod Stobo provides mince pies for spectators while the hunt committee members give out mulled wine.