CROWDS of onlookers came out to watch the Avon Vale Hunt as it rode through Lacock on Boxing Day.

There was no sign of the often-anticipated protest from the crowd of about 1,500 people that came to watch the annual hunt as it stopped outside the Red Lion Pub in High Street.

Jonathon Seed, the AVH senior vale master, said: "What was nice was that everyone who turned up was supporting us and there was no opposition whatsoever.

"We had as good a hunt as we could have had under the restrictions of the hunting ban."

The foxhunting ban, introduced in England and Wales in February 2004, made hunting with dogs a criminal offence, although exercising hounds, chasing a scent trail and flushing out foxes to be shot are still legal practices.

This means dogs can still be used to follow a scent, but cannot be used to kill the fox.

The 70 mounted huntsmen, one of who wore a head camera to monitor events, rode alongside 35 hounds following trails behind Olgar the European eagle owl.

Mr Seed said: "There were photographers and people with video cameras. It captures the spirit of the day and it shows our transparency.

"It is the first time I can recall that we haven't had any opposition."

The village was buzzing with excitement as locals watched from windows or collaborated outside the pub.

Chris Doel, of Lacock Parish Council, said: "It went very well. It was a wonderful sight. It's about meeting people.

"Everyone was in a happy mood and it's nice to be out in the countryside seeing a country sport."

The Countryside Alliance is continuing to campaign for the ban to be overturned, while the League Against Cruel Sports is encouraging stricter monitoring of hunts and the prosecution of those breaking the law.