Visitors from far and wide turn out for Suffolk Hunt's annual Boxing Day meet at Hawstead Lodge Farm

Crowds descended on a Boxing Day hunt in Hawstead on Wednesday to witness the spectacle of the age-old Suffolk tradition.

The annual drag hunt, which sees the hounds follow an artificial scent instead of chasing a fox, was run by Suffolk Hunt at Hawstead Lodge Farm, with 25 riders and 16 couples of hounds turning out to keep the tradition alive.

More than 100 members of the public also joined the riders on foot, with some coming from as far as the US and Canada.

Lesley Lady Henniker-Major, senior master, said: “The crowds that come to watch seem to get better every year. It’s very gratifying.

“There are always faces I don’t know and there is such a variety of people including ones who have nothing to do with hunting. But it’s all about the spectacle -– no matter what your view on hunting is, the spectacle is wonderful and we do hunt within the law.

“It’s very much a country tradition and it should be remembered.”

The day also saw a two minute silence held for Suffolk Hunt’s honorary master and secretary Angela Miles, who died on Christmas Eve.

“She was just a wonderful wonderful person and she was an absolutely wonderful supporter of the hunt. She taught me everything I know,” said Lady Henniker.

• For more pictures, see this week's Bury Free Press.