It was a Boxing Day to remember for residents living in a North Yorkshire care home who received a special visit from some excitable pups as part of a tradition which has spanned over 30 years.

The Abbey residential care home in Old Malton, North Yorkshire was, to the residents delight, overwhelmed by 33 hunting dogs of the Middleton Hunt as it stopped by yesterday (December 26).

Nightcap, Ninja and Caesar were among the hounds who visited residential care homes in the area to bring festive joy to residents, including one gentleman aged 101.

The Northern Echo: Staff and residents of The Abbey residential home in Old Malton, North Yorkshire, enjoying a visit from the hounds and huntsmen of the Middleton Hunt, in a tradition dating back over 30 years.Staff and residents of The Abbey residential home in Old Malton, North Yorkshire, enjoying a visit from the hounds and huntsmen of the Middleton Hunt, in a tradition dating back over 30 years. (Image: BHSA)

On its whistle-stop tour, the hunt also visits The Lodge Hotel, Ashfield Care Home, The Royal Oak and The Wentworth.

Pictures show the happy pooches wagging their tails as they received an abundance of love from the residents who awaited their arrival in the garden.

The Northern Echo: Staff and residents of The Abbey residential home in Old Malton, North Yorkshire, enjoying a visit from the hounds and huntsmen of the Middleton Hunt, in a tradition dating back over 30 years.Staff and residents of The Abbey residential home in Old Malton, North Yorkshire, enjoying a visit from the hounds and huntsmen of the Middleton Hunt, in a tradition dating back over 30 years. (Image: BHSA)

Crowds also swarmed the market place to catch a glimpse of the hunt and pet the dogs.

Ann Race, manager of The Abbey, said: “The residents absolutely love seeing the hounds and look forward to it each year.

The Northern Echo: Staff and residents of The Abbey residential home in Old Malton, North Yorkshire, enjoying a visit from the hounds and huntsmen of the Middleton Hunt, in a tradition dating back over 30 years.Staff and residents of The Abbey residential home in Old Malton, North Yorkshire, enjoying a visit from the hounds and huntsmen of the Middleton Hunt, in a tradition dating back over 30 years. (Image: BHSA)

The Northern Echo: Staff and residents of The Abbey residential home in Old Malton, North Yorkshire, enjoying a visit from the hounds and huntsmen of the Middleton Hunt, in a tradition dating back over 30 years.Staff and residents of The Abbey residential home in Old Malton, North Yorkshire, enjoying a visit from the hounds and huntsmen of the Middleton Hunt, in a tradition dating back over 30 years. (Image: BHSA)

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“Almost all of us are either from a farming background or keen on equestrian sports and it is something that brings everyone together on Boxing Day. 

“The Master of the Middleton Hunt reads a hunting poem, and some of our residents were able to feed the horses and have a go at blowing the Hunt Horn. It is a wonderful occasion.”

The Northern Echo: Staff and residents of The Abbey residential home in Old Malton, North Yorkshire, enjoying a visit from the hounds and huntsmen of the Middleton Hunt, in a tradition dating back over 30 years.Staff and residents of The Abbey residential home in Old Malton, North Yorkshire, enjoying a visit from the hounds and huntsmen of the Middleton Hunt, in a tradition dating back over 30 years. (Image: BHSA)

Belle Tyson, joint Master of the Middleton Hunt, added: “We always have a fantastic meet on Boxing Day, with the whole town turning out to support us.

“For many years we have taken the hounds to visit our local residential homes and it is an absolute highlight of the festive season.”