Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley joins hunt spectators

Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley was among hundreds of spectators who gathered for an annual Boxing Day hunt in Staffordshire.

The singer-songwriter was in relaxed mood as he sipped coffee and chatted to fans at the Meynell and South Staffordshire meet at Blithfield Hall in Admaston, near Rugeley.

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Last year's cold snap had put paid to the event but with mild temperatures this month Hadley was able to don a jumper and sleeveless bomber jacket as he watched the action.

Tom Gregory, joint hunt secretary, said there was still great support for the tradition, which dates back to the 18th century. "There are several hundred people here today, and it could even go over 1,000 as there are a lot of people turning up.

"The number of the people on horses too is between 50 and 60," he said.

"It was cancelled last year, even though we still met.

"But with it being a lot milder it has meant we can get out."

Mr Gregory added: "Just from the number of people attending today shows the amount of support we have for the hunt.

In fact, across the country there are going to be hundreds of thousands of people meeting, which shows that people still support them. We don't have any anti-hunters here today," he added.

Meanwhile more than 3,000 people watched as 70 horses and 27 hounds from the Albrighton Hunt headed off from Newport towards Chetwynd.

Hunt chairman Judith Swinnerton said: "These are perfect conditions. Last year it was unsafe so today we are taking full advantage of the unusually mild temperatures.

"We have a fantastic turnout and it's great that people can watch in pleasant conditions."