One of the oldest hunts in the country staged its colourful annual ball at The Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Clayton-le-Moors with around 300 guests.

This formal event is one of the highlights of the year for the Holcombe Hunt, which can trace its roots back to the 11th century. Its hounds are believed to be direct descendents of the Blue Gascoignes, who were brought across the Channel by the Normans.