VIDEO: The South Nottinghamshire Hunt sets off on New Year's Day meet

The traditional New Year’s Day meet of the South Nottinghamshire Hunt took place in a new venue.

Riders and well-wishers gathered in the cold to mark the start of 2020 with a tradition that became even more controversial last year.

In September, Newark Town Council banned the South Notts Hunt from meeting in the Market Place, where, aside from a short break, it had gathered for decades.

The tradition was described as the most appalling thing by town councillors and voted to ban the hunt from the Market Place.

However, Newark and Sherwood District Council took a very different view and agreed to allow the hunt to meet on its land, Riverside carpark, Tolney Lane.

The hunt, ensembled with around 20 riders and their horses, was met by the authority’s chairman, Robert Crowe and his wife Rita.

Mr Crowe said it was good to see the spectacle taking place, and also good people had come out to support them.

Mulled wine was provided to keep the riders warm, and an estimated 30 people gathered to watch them set off.

They headed towards the Market Place, before hacking towards Hawton and Cotham. The hunt said it was following a pre-lain fake fox scent trail to adhere to the Hunting Act.

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