Hunt supporters turned out in force to watch the start of the traditional Boxing Day meet at the Grylls Monument in Helston.

There was not a protestor in sight as several hundred people gathered for what they, and everyone involved with the Cury Hunt, hoped would not be the last such occasion in the town.

Despite strong winds and a torrential downpour during the afternoon, the riders, and hounds, enjoyed the day's outing, which finished at the hunt kennels at Cury.

Support was strong for Boxing Day meets across Cornwall, which coincided with a new poll revealing dwindling public enthusiasm for a ban on the sport.

The poll, commissioned by pro-hunt organisation the Countryside Alliance, showed that just two per cent of the population believe banning hunting should be a Government priority.