Members of the Westcountry hunting community gathered yesterday to bid a fond farewell to a long serving huntsman who is retiring after a 51-year career.

Gilmore Lewis has been huntsman for the Dart Vale & South Pool Harriers, based at Halwell, near Totnes, for the past 37 seasons.

The veteran rider entered hunt service the day he left school over half a century ago and recalls stowing away his wellies on the bus so he could sneak off to the kennels.

Hunting is a true family tradition, with Mr Lewis's wife Margaret a hunts groom, son David a master of a different hunt and daughter Caroline an integral part of Dart Vale.

Dozens of people on horseback and foot turned out to a testimonial meet to wish the huntsman and his family well at Chillington yesterday morning.

Mr Lewis also lead the outrider team for the last time ever at the Dart Vale & Haldon Harriers point-to-point at Buckfastleigh earlier this month.

Secretary Eileen Ashby said: "His love of hounds is well known and he has achieved considerable success over the years, breeding and showing, developing a first class pack of harriers, the kennels immaculate and a credit to him at all times. In turn his wife Margaret has played an equally big part behind the scenes.""