PICTURES: Horses and hounds at the annual New Year's Day Alnwick trail hunt

Crowds braved the cold to see the horses and hounds at the Percy Hunt's annual New Year meet.
Huntsman Robert McCarthy and Whipper In Matthew Sewell bring the hounds along to the Percy Hunt meet at Alnwick Castle on New Year's Day 2018. Picture by Jane ColtmanHuntsman Robert McCarthy and Whipper In Matthew Sewell bring the hounds along to the Percy Hunt meet at Alnwick Castle on New Year's Day 2018. Picture by Jane Coltman
Huntsman Robert McCarthy and Whipper In Matthew Sewell bring the hounds along to the Percy Hunt meet at Alnwick Castle on New Year's Day 2018. Picture by Jane Coltman

Riders gathered at the Barbican at Alnwick Castle for Monday’s traditional ride-out.

Percy Specials helped keep the chill at bay, while youngsters enjoyed getting up close to the hounds.

Members of the Pony Club at the Percy Hunt meet at Alnwick Castle on New Year's Day 2018. Picture by Jane ColtmanMembers of the Pony Club at the Percy Hunt meet at Alnwick Castle on New Year's Day 2018. Picture by Jane Coltman
Members of the Pony Club at the Percy Hunt meet at Alnwick Castle on New Year's Day 2018. Picture by Jane Coltman
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A total of 43 hounds took part in the hunt, which was led by huntsman Robert McCarthy and Whipper In Matthew Sewell.

A bus load of tourists from Costa Rica stopped at the castle to take pictures.

The riders then left the castle, went up Clayport Bank and headed onto Alnwick Moor for the trail hunt.

The meet was filmed by Gazette photographer Jane Coltman and the video was screened by the Gazette via Facebook Live. It was viewed by more than 17,000 people.

Percy Hunt meet at Alnwick Castle on New Year's Day 2018. Picture by Jane ColtmanPercy Hunt meet at Alnwick Castle on New Year's Day 2018. Picture by Jane Coltman
Percy Hunt meet at Alnwick Castle on New Year's Day 2018. Picture by Jane Coltman
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As always, the hunt proved to be divisive, with some people commenting in favour of it, while others were against.

Alnwick wasn’t the only place in Northumberland to hold a New Year’s Day hunt.

Morpeth Hunt riders, horses and hounds assembled in the town on Monday morning before heading into the countryside.

The Morpeth event – which followed a well-supported meet on Boxing Day – was hosted by Ray Green and family.