ONE of the traditional social occasions of the Worcestershire countryside summer takes place on Sunday, June 24.

The Croome and West Warwickshire Hunt will hold an open day at its kennels at Kinnersley, near Severn Stoke, about six miles south of Worcester along the A38.

Several thousand visitors are drawn each year to the historic kennels built by the Earl of Coventry on his estate in the 19th century for an afternoon of activities and entertainment.

For this isn't just about foxhunting.

There will be displays of farriery, craft stalls, shire horses, a farmers' market, plant sales, a dog show, teas and refreshments and much more.

Youngsters will have a chance to try their hand at karting or a bouncy castle, and there is also a fete.

One of the high spots of the afternoon will be the parade of the Croome and West Warwickshire hounds with their huntsman Peter Astle and there will an opportunity to meet the hunt's eagle owl, Boss, who is nowhere near as fierce as he looks.

He will also have been fed.

The hunt's kennels are being opened up for the afternoon and visitors will be able to see at close hand how the hounds live and spend the long, hopefully, sunny days of summer.

To whet your whistle there will be a licensed bar.

Open from noon until 5pm, entrance is £5 per car no matter how many occupants, so time to get out the stretch limmo, I feel.