ANNUAL countryside celebrations were enjoyed by many once again on Sunday at the Hampshire Country Sports Day.

Visitors were welcomed to Tichborne Park, with hundreds of activities and displays taking place throughout the day.

Despite opposition from an animal welfare charity, the hunting hound event still took place at the show this year.

The League Against Cruel Sports had advised show organisers not to host the hunt due to biosecurity breaches.

They warned of an outbreak of bovine Tuberculosis in a hunting pack that killed nearly 100 hounds.

However, a show spokesperson said: "There has been just one pack of hounds that has been infected with bovine Tuberculosis.

However, following a strict testing procedure which was enforced when bovine Tuberculosis was discovered, almost two years ago, the disease was contained and eradicated.

"There have been no further outbreaks at this hunt kennels nor have symptoms been seen in any other packs of hounds since."

Other events at the show included mink, beagle and fox hounds displays, an inter-hunt mounted relay and clay pigeon shooting.

Visitors could learn how to fly fish, how to safely use hunting rifles and learn the ropes of archery.

The show also featured a record number of market stalls.

They offered everything from equestrian clothing, handbags and jewellery, to hunting, shooting and fishing equipment.

Food and drink stalls were mingled with the market, featuring products made from the finest of Hampshire's produce.

Once again, the show was a success and organisers are already planning for next year.