TRAIL hunting packs from across Somerset took part in a breakfast and trail hunt on Exmoor which raised £535 for the end of life charity Marie Curie.

It was organised by the West Somerset Hunt and hosted by the Chargot Estate, near Luxborough, with more than 80 people attending.

After breakfast, the hounds met and were followed by 27 riders and others on foot for a day of trail hunting across the Exmoor countryside.

The proceeds went to Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal, the charity’s largest annual fund-raising campaign held each March.

Attendees were also encouraged to wear ‘a touch of yellow’ to show their support.

Organiser Olivia Sinclair-Criddle said: “We saw this as a great opportunity to raise money for a charity, and we wanted to choose one that plays a vital role in providing care for those in rural communities, making Marie Curie the perfect fit.

“With many neighbouring packs having already finished for the season, this event brought together shoots and hunts from across the region in a show of support for one another.

“What united us all was our shared appreciation for the great outdoors and the beauty of the British countryside.

“We had a great day and we would like to do something again next season.”

The day included a whiskey draw won by one of the hunt’s members who asked joint master Max Pitman to auction it, which added £37 to the total raised for the charity.

Ms Sinclair-Criddle said the West Somerset Hunt was an accredited member of the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) and operated to a code of good practice, in compliance with the Hunting Act 2004, meaning it does not pursue any wild animal, but instead follows a scent trail.

BHSA members raised £460,000 for 92 charities during the course of the last season.