CHRISTMAS was heralded in Richmond with the appearance of "t'awd hoss" - a Christmas Eve custom believed to have its origins in pagan times.

The grotesque hobby horse, made of a genuine equine skull covered in black fabric and decorated, was paraded around the town centre as always by players dressed in red hunting coats and holly-trimmed top hats and blowing hunting horns.

They sang the traditional accompanying song, which tells the story of a once young and fit horse which is neglected and becomes aged and useless before suffering a pitiful death. The custom is said to symbolise the passing of the old year in readiness for the new.

The earliest documented existence of the Richmond horse is from the 17th century. Since the late 19th century, the horse has belonged to descendants of the Pierse family and the current custodian is Mr Bill Ward, grandson of Mr Edward Pierse.

Mr Ward, a renowned local artist, painted a picture of the custom several years ago which now hangs in Richmond town hall.