Wintry conditions kept numbers down at the Boxing Day meet of the South Devon Hunt at Haytor Vale.

Rather than the 50 or 70 mounts that could have been expected only 30 managed to make it through the ice for the 20-mile route that took in Bag Tor, Widecombe, Buckland and Welstor.

Despite the low turnout, supporters dug deep when asked to contribute to a collection for the three hunt staff whose base is at Pulsford, Denbury.

Hunt master Ian Pearse said the trio had shared a four-figure sum.

'We were very happy with the day despite being disappointed by the turn out, but that was understandable with all the frost and ice,' he said.

'We had tremendous support and we're looking forward to our bicentenary celebrations next October and, hopefully, a review of the Hunting Act if the Conservatives win the general election in the new year.'

Mr Pearse said Anne Marie Morris, the Tory prospective candidate for Newton Abbot, had been supportive as had Mel Stride, her fellow party member hoping to win the Central Devon seat.

The current rules only permit hounds to flush out a fox, thereafter a bird of prey is sent in.

On Boxing Day, however, the South Devon Hunt's European eagle owl was not pressed into action after no foxes broke cover.

Conservative leader David Cameron has pledged to hold a free vote on the ban if his party wins the election, which must be called no later than May.