THE first meet of the season of the Pendle Forest and Craven Hunt set off from Broughton Hall in fine weather.

And despite the fall of one of the joint masters, Nick Bannister, a good day's trail was enjoyed by young and old alike.

"We had a fun opening meet with lots of new faces and a lot of children as well which was good, I also had a fall much to the amusement of everyone else," said Mr Bannister.

The hunt will now meet twice a week - weather allowing - on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the winter and into the Spring for the season.

Pony Club meets will also take place for younger members and will be held in the school holidays.

The hunt follows a laid artificial scent across farmland on the North Yorkshire and Lancashire borders. All are welcome, from the very young, and maybe still on a lead rein, to more experienced riders, keen to exercise their young eventers and have a bit of a thrill.

It also warmly welcomes first timers, and even has a non-jumping master, who will accompany riders through all the gates - rather than over the jumps.

But for those keen to jump, during the summer, a number of new obstacles have been installed in dry stone walls and close to gates.

"We have been doing quite a lot of work over the summer putting in new hunt jumps around the country, I think Richard Lloyd, our huntsman and others have put in around 30 new fences - the farmers are very kind allowing us to do that," said Mr Bannister.

The hunt is fortunate enough to have the help and cooperation of farmers and landowners - opening up vast areas of land.

Senior master, Michael Bannister, said: "We are privileged to have access to some fantastic hunting territory. Our country is all grassland, so it provides us with a superb and almost unique opportunity to trail across wonderful pasture, while respecting the landowners is a top priority."

The hounds -always a firm favourite at shows in the summer - are the stars, added Mr Bannister.

"Their enthusiasm never flags and their performance is top class, both in the show ring and in the field.

"It is possible to join as a foot follower from where people have ample opportunity to meet the hounds face to face and be charmed by their cheeky affections."

The hunt has to raise money to continue running and stages regular social events.

Anyone who wants to go along for a day's hunting, to try it out and to experience wonderful off-road riding, is welcome, and there are special rates for under 24 years olds.

"For children or young people wanting to hunt with us, we have a junior representative to ensure they are helped, and we love to see Pony Club children, we even welcome those on a lead rein, or first times," added Mr Bannister.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the hunt, should email info@pendlehunt.co.uk. or visit the website.