HUNTS were out in force for meets over the festive period in West Dorset.

The Cattistock Hunt was able to meet in Beaminster Square after being forced to cancel last year’s meet because of snow and ice.

A full contingent of horses and hounds turned up much to the delight of some locals and hunt supporters.

MasterChef winner Mat Follas, of the Wild Garlic restaurant, provided the stirrup cup and nibbles to set the huntsmen and women up for their day’s sport.

He said: “Last year it was too icy for the horses but this year it was the full hunt. It was a good atmosphere.”

He added: “I am ambivalent about the morals of the hunt.

“I don’t support or not support them but as a local spectacle it is one of the things I like living in this country for.

“It is something you don’t see anywhere else in the world and it is a fantastic spectacle whatever your views are on what they do. “Beaminster Square is a brilliant location for it.”