A QUARTER of a century as a huntsman was marked at the weekend, when the East Cornwall Hunt paid tribute to joint master, Graham Higgins at the opening meet at Minions, on Bodmin Moor.

The hunt presented Mr Higgins with an engraved silver salver in tribute to his work in hunting the hounds for the past 25 years, before the 40 mounted followers moved off for a day's trail hunting.

A crowd of 200 on foot sang "For he's a jolly good fellow," and Mr Higgins, from St Neot, near Liskeard, thanked them for their support.

He said: "I have had great fun over the past 25 seasons, and have no intention of retiring just yet."

In common with moorland packs, the East Cornwall traditionally holds its opening meet a fortnight before other hunts. On Saturday it was also marking the 135th anniversary of its foundation.

Mr Higgins, whose son Andrew is also in hunt service – in Northumberland – began as huntsman to the Bolventor Harriers before the hunt merged with the East Cornwall pack 11 years ago.