THE prospect of the return of the annual hunt ball to the Lygon Arms is moving closer.

Hotel general manager Andrew Buchanan revealed this week that he was in the process of setting up a committee to consider the best way forward.

He has appealed for anyone else who wants to get involved to get in touch as soon as possible.

"This is the type of event we would want to give the whole hotel over to," he said.

"It was once the highlight of the social calendar and it is something I have found that many people would like to see brought back."

Marion Houghton, wife of the chairman of the North Cotswold Hunt, is confident the plan will receive a warm reception from villagers and others connected with the hunt.

"We used to hold the annual hunt ball at the Lygon Arms and it would be an appropriate place to return to."

Mr Buchanan said he was keen to get the committee up and running in the next few weeks.