IN this edition of nostalgia, we are looking back at one of Cumbria's most loved sports, hound trials.

Hound trailing in Cumbria is regarded by many as a well-loved sport. Hound trailing had a lengthy lay-off due to the coronavirus crisis but returned to our fields in Cumbria is the July of 2020; the outdoor activity meant everything could be kept properly distanced.

The sport, which sees dogs chase an aniseed trail across the countryside, is especially popular in Cumbria.

We thought this was a good chance to dig back in our archives and look at some seasons past, with some spectacular action pictures and snaps of past winners and their owners, along with a few spectators.

The pictures show the Senior Hounds who clear the last fence as they finish the trail race at Eskdale as well as the puppy trail where it was neck and neck at the jump in 2009.

Another shows Reggie Bell with his hound Touch of Class who won the trail at Cleator Moor Sports. There are some snaps from Alrecdon shows as trailers are pictured calling them home in June 2009. Glenis Farron, from Arlecdon, is also pictured with Miss Patsie, the Senior Hound Trail Winner at Bridekirk in 2004.

One photo shows the judging of the hounds, at Threlkeld Sheep Dog Trials in 2009.

Some later pictures show the puppy trial winner Midnight Cowboy with owner Robin Chapman of Borrowdale. Another shows the first three in the Puppy Trial at the HTA annual meeting at Kendal.

Pictured is Mr Reay's Hunter's Pride of Abbeytown, Mrs Bewick's Gillian of Plumbland, and Mr W Turner's Terma Lady, of Caldbeck. Hunter's Pride and Gillian are litter sisters out of Lonning Lady by Lonning Lad.