The annual Boxing Day hunt in Hadleigh has been cancelled amid coronavirus fears.
Organisers the Countryside Alliance announced the Essex and Suffolk Hunt will no longer take place to ensure the wellbeing of the local community.
A Countryside Alliance spokeswoman said it is hoped the hunt will take place as normal next year.
They said: "Subject to the government guidance in place at the time, it is anticipated that hunting activities will still take place on Boxing Day, but like so many other leisure and sporting events, these will sadly have to take place behind closed doors.
“Over a quarter of a million people usually support Boxing Day meets each year so we appreciate that seeing the hounds and watching the spectacle of the meet is often one of the highlights of the annual festive activities for so many in the local area.”
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