THE Carmarthenshire Hunt is to move its Boxing Day venue after more than 50 years in a village near Carmarthen.

The traditional Boxing Day hunt has met in Meidrim for many years but has now moved to Cross Hands.

The hunt will meet at the Cross Hands Hotel in Llandeilo Road from 10.30am.

The 2004 Hunting Act has made it illegal to hunt foxes with dogs, with alternative forms such as drag hunting — where a scent is followed by hounds — being popularised.

Hunt master Michael Watts said the change of venue was due to the closure of the local pub, the New Inn, which acted as a meeting place before and after the hunt.

He said: "We usually meet in Meidrim, it's been going for 50 years now, but the pub has closed down.

"That doesn't mean we won't be back there again.

"They're turning the pub into a house, otherwise we would still be at Meidrim."

He said it was hoped the new location would bring greater scope for hunting.

The hunt will also hold its New Year event at Carmarthen's Guildhall Square on January 2 from 10.30am.

It takes place on the Monday as hunts are not held on a Sunday.