Hundreds gather on New Year's Day at Newark Market Place for South Notts Hunt

Hundreds of people were in Newark Market Place this morning to watch the traditional New Year’s Day meet of the South Notts Hunt.

Around 50 riders and almost as many hounds were led into the Market Place by huntsman Stuart Barton.

South Notts Hunt met at Newark Castle Market where they all rode together with the hounds to the Market Place.

The master on the day, Chris Lamin, was offered a stirrup cup by the Mayor of Newark, Mr Tony Roberts.

Mr Roberts said the New Year’s Day hunt was a tradition for Newark.

He said: “The tradition is that these people meet and gather in the middle of the Market Place.

“It’s a wonderful spectacle. It’s a rural community we live in and as long as they are not breaking the law and just go out to ride following the drag then I don’t have a problem with it.”

The riders and hounds arrived in the Market Place at 11.30am and stayed for 20 minutes.

Among the crowd was Mr Des Clarke, of Newark, who regularly attends the traditional New Year’s Day meet of the South Notts Hunt.

He said: “I come here every year. It’s a great spectacle and obviously it’s great to see the hounds and riders.”