Hundreds of people and their four-legged friends started 2011 with a

rural tradition, taking part in one of the many New Year's Day hunts

being held across the region.

Hounds and horses were out in good number as crowds lined the streets to welcome the hunts.

Devon and Somerset Stag Hounds enjoyed the festivities in Exford,

Exmoor, while those taking part in the Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt

began their day at the Walkhampton Inn in Yelverton, Dartmoor.

Elsewhere,

around 50 riders took part in the traditional New Year's Day Four

Burrow Hunt in St Columb Major, near Newquay, many gathering at the

Silver Ball pub for the start. Jim Pascoe, chairman of the hunt, said:

"It was great to see so many people attending the hunt, which is a

traditional way for many of us to start the New Year.

"There were

lots of youngsters who came along and seemed to have fun which is

excellent because they are the future of hunts in Cornwall. All the

staff at the Silver Ball were fantastic again. It was a great way to

start 2011."

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