THE riders of the Croome and West Warwickshire Hunt will be assembling in Upton on Thursday morning for their traditional Christmas Eve meet.

Riders will be gathering outside the King’s Head at about 10.30am, and will be riding through the town before moving off.

Live music has been organised and Father Christmas will be riding on horseback, lending a proper festive feel to proceedings.

The hunt has been visiting Upton on Christmas Eve for many years, and this will be the 10th occasion it has been hosted by the King’s Head.

Joint-master Diana Ralph said the hunt always receives a warm welcome from the people of Upton.

“There is always a good atmosphere and it is a very friendly town,” she said.