Grove and Rufford Hunt @ The Crown Hotel Bawtry!

Crowds thought to be in excess of 1,000 flocked to see the Grove & Rufford depart from the Crown Hotel in the centre of the historic Nottinghamshire market town of Bawtry on Boxing Day, and we were there to capture the occasion on camera.

Around 75 riders were greeted by enthusiastic applause as the Hunt made its way along the main street at the sound of Huntsman Paul Larby's horn, shortly after 11am.

It was the first time in decades that the Crown Hotel had hosted the local Hunt. Managing Director Craig Dowie, whose daughter Antonia was among those mounted, told EMR: "It's been a genuine pleasure to host such a fantastic occasion. The atmosphere has been amazing."

The Hunt made its way to nearby Scaftworth where they were greeted by Morris Dancers outside the King William pub before heading out into the country.

Getting into the festive spirit was this youngster Lucy Baguley, left, of Retford. Her pony Lady was also dressed up as a hound!

Crown Hotel Bawtry scoops 2 Awards at Doncaster Chamber 2011

Pictured Above: (Right to left) Look North presenter Harry Gration, Craig Dowie Crown Hotel Director, Katey Dent Sales Manager and Judge Jon Whitely who is the Chairman of Enterprising Doncaster.

The four Crown hotel in Bawtry is celebrating after double success at this years Doncaster Chamber Awards!

The prestigious awards were held at Doncaster Racecourse and hosted by the Look North presenter Harry Gration.

The hotel scooped the Marketing Strategy Award for their 5 Brides 1 Wedding campaign which not only gave away a wedding worth £25,000 but also raised £64,000 for the local Cash for Kids Charity which will benefit children across South Yorkshire and North Notts.

The hotel also picked up their second award for Performance through Partnership which celebrated the hotels links and local relationships with the equine sector.

Craig Dowie Hotel Director commented “I am absolutely thrilled to pick up both of these awards and this is proof of our hard work over the past year! We have a great team at the hotel and we have continued to invest in property during the year not only refurbishing our bar and restaurant, but also adding a further 8 Executive bedrooms to our portfolio”.

Katey Dent Sales manager for the hotel added “We all had a great night celebrating but it was back to work for everyone the next day – it is Christmas after all and is one of our busiest times! Our customers always come first!”