DOUBLE the usual number of spectators gathered outside the King's Head, in Upton, for the traditional Christmas Eve meet of Croome and West Warwickshire Hunt.
More than 400 people turned out for the event after the hunt ran advertising and leaflet campaigns in and around the town.
Carol singers, mince pies and around 60 horses kept the crowds entertained. Father Christmas also put in an appearance on horseback.
Community liaison officer Nicky Driver said fears the advertising would attract anti-hunt demonstrators as well as spectators to the meet proved unfounded.
"We were delighted with the turnout," she said. "It was a really happy, wonderful, heart-warming occasion - a fantastic show of support."
She said it was unlikely to be the last Christmas Eve meet, despite the current debate in Parliament which could see hunting changed radically or even banned altogether.
"The political battle we're in is going to take a minimum of two years," she said.
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