A hunt had to borrow hounds after a bout of kennel cough ruled out its own pack from taking part in a traditional New Year's event.

The Belvoir Hunt met in Melton's Play Close park on New Year's Day, thanks to the loan of the hounds from the Blankney Hunt in Lincolnshire.

It was the 28th year Melton Town Estate has hosted either the Belvoir, Quorn or Cottesmore hunt on the park on New Year's Day and more than 250 people turned out to see the 55 riders.

A Belvoir hunt spokesman said: "Melton is a special meet for us and it was important to have a pack of hounds.

"We were kindly hosted by the townwardens and hunted around Scalford."

Senior townwarden Richard Sage said: "There was a super turnout, better than last year, and it was very well supported considering how cold a day it was.

"Hunting is fundamental to Melton's history, going back to the days when it formed part of the employment of the town."