A TRAIL hunt in West Somerset raised more than £500 for charity.

A breakfast and trail hunt was hosted by the West Somerset Hunt on Saturday, March 15, in aid of Marie Curie.

More than 80 people gathered at the Chargot Estate for breakfast, enjoying morning rolls, hot drinks, and refreshments from 9am to 10.30am.

At 11am, the hounds met, followed by 27 riders and many more on foot, setting off for a day of trail hunting across the picturesque Exmoor countryside.

Trail hunting packs from across Somerset took part in the event, with Chargot Estate generously providing its facilities to support the fundraiser, which raised a total of £535.

All proceeds went to the Great Daffodil Appeal, Marie Curie’s largest annual fundraising campaign, held each March, while attendees were also encouraged to wear a touch of yellow to show their support.

Ellie Malin, Abbie Lewis, Harriet Trollop-Bellew, Millie Bines and Joyce Trunks

Olivia Sinclair-Criddle, organiser of the fundraiser, 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’d like to do something again next season.”

During the day there was also a whiskey draw, won by one of the Hunt’s members who asked the Joint Master, Max Pitman, to auction it off, adding £37 to the final amount raised for the cause.

Huntsman Ryan Baugh on ex-racehorse TikInTheBox, aka Tik

Marie Curie is dependent on public donations and last year supporters helped the charity provide direct care to almost 40,000 people across the UK via its hospices and through nursing care in people’s own homes.

The West Somerset Hunt is an accredited member of the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) and operates to a code of good practice, in full compliance with the Hunting Act 2004.

Trail hunts do not pursue any wild animal, but instead follow a scent trail.

Members of the British Hound Sports Association raised £460,000 for 92 charities during the course of the last season.