THE weather has put paid to an annual Boxing Day hunt.

The South Durham Hunt, which was due to set off from the village of Great Stainton, County Durham, has been forced to cancel this year's event.

The hunt turned out for a show, but decided not to ride out due to the state of the roads and fields.

Hunt leaders said one of the reasons they took the decision was out of respect for local farmers and therefore called more than 70 participants this morning to tell them know it was cancelled.

That did not stop dozens of families gathering at the village’s Kings Arms pub to watch master huntsman Gareth Watchman, chairman, Barry Johnson, 1st whip, Rob Wilkinson and 2nd whip Robbie Stephenson for the traditional meet where they turned out in full dress despite not being able to ride.

“It’s a tradition and we will always turn out despite not being able to ride because a lot of families turn out and we come to put on a show for them,” Mr Watchman said.

Mr Watchman’s father and joint master, Garry Watchman, added: “It’s the biggest time of the year for the hunting calendar and that’s why the meet would always go ahead but out of respect to the farmers and landowners we could not today.

“We are still very pleased that everyone came to watch despite the weather being bad and we continue to support our very supportive farmers and landowners and we look forward to seeing them as the season continues.”