WENSLEYDALE Foxhounds have held a special hunt to celebrate the life of one of its greatest followers, Eric Chilton, who has died aged 88.

His family later scattered his ashes on the fells he loved so much. He was chairman of the foxhounds for 20 years and followed it on foot until he was 80.

Maurice Bell, master of the hunt, said: "You couldn't meet a nicer fellow. He supported me ever since I started with the hounds in 1971. He mixed every shovelful of cement for our new kennels and he was in his 70s then.

"Eric also walked the hounds for us including Auditor, a white dog hound, which was probably the best we have ever had. I will certainly never forget him."

His son, Colin, gave a glimpse into the various ages of his father's life before the hunt moved off, from Gayle.

In keeping with the tradition of the Lakeland packs, a plaque commemorating Mr Chilton's life will be put up on the Wensleydale's kennel door. Mr Chilton's second wife Margaret predeceased him, but he is survived by his two sons, Jim and Colin and his adopted son, Nicholas.