MORE than a thousand supporters at an annual hunt honoured the memory of a rider who took part for more than a decade before a tragic accident.

Michael Slater, from Pipe Gate near Woore, died on February 2 after he fell from his horse during a legal hunt at Norton-in-Hales.

The 49-year-old, who ran Aston Manor Liveries near Market Drayton with his wife Debbie, damaged his spine at the base of his neck and died in hospital a few days later.

Farmers, business owners and the public met in Woore yesterday for the first North Staffordshire Hunt since his death. All proceeds went to the County Air Ambulance which airlifted Mr Slater to hospital.

Treasurer John Mason said hunt members had already raised £10,000 for the organisation in Mr Slater's memory.

He said: "Michael would have been in the midst of it today as he had been for a great number of years. The North Staffordshire Hunt is a small community and he is sadly missed."

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Eight riders and scores of hounds took part in yesterday's hunt, which involved a parade through the village of Woore. There was also a trail hunt in Aston using artificial scents.

Joint hunt master Tim Warren said since the introduction of the hunting ban four years ago, organisers had continued to hunt by laying the scent of foxes' urine for the dogs to follow.

He said this enabled hunters, horses and hounds to enjoy the illusion of a chase.

Mr Warren said the number of supporters had not dwindled since the hunting ban came into force.

The 31-year-old, of Tittensor Road, Barlaston, who was with his horse Dennis, said: "The North Staffordshire Hunt has been taking place in Woore on Boxing Day since 1856. It is an important part of English tradition which we want to continue in the hope that the ban will be lifted."

Paul Hanson, landlord of the Swan Hotel in Nantwich Road, Woore, was at the centre of the action.

He said: "I think this event is fantastic as it brings thousands of people into the village from all over Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. It's really good fun and goes on all day."

John Elton, aged 31, of Kibblestone Road, Oulton, near Stone, said he had been coming to the event for years.

He said: "It is an age-old tradition. It is nice to see the riders and offer them your support. I work in the farming industry and see all the damage foxes do. I think the ban should be lifted."

Kurt Foy, aged 38, of Main Road, Betley, said he had brought his daughter Charlie along because she was a keen rider.

He said: "She's really enjoyed herself. This isn't something you see every day."

Nick Ward, aged 40, of Barbridge Road, Chesterton, said: "The event is good for the community as it gets people networking.

"It's also a nice thing to do on Boxing Day."