Hundreds join hunts' big day (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Hundreds join hunts' big day

LARGE crowds turned out to support Boxing Day hunts in the north Cotswolds - the first to be held since the hunting ban became law.

Liz Wills, joint master of the Heythrop Hunt, said: "I don't think I would be exaggerating if I said there were over 2,000 people. It's absolutely marvellous."

The hunt, with an estimated 120 riders, set off from outside the Fox Hotel in Chipping Norton Town Square.

"I don't think there were any police there at all doing anything. We had our own stewards keeping the traffic flowing," said Mrs Wills.

Among those riding with the hunt were three-day eventer William Fox-Pitt and former Badminton horse trials winner Ginny Elliott.

New Conservative leader, Witney MP David Cameron, was not out with the hunt though he has ridden with the Heythrop in the past.

"I happen to know he was elsewhere. He's a very busy man but he is a supporter," said Mrs Wills.

Sam Butler, joint master of the Warwickshire Hunt, which met for its traditional Boxing Day meet at Upton House near Banbury, said the day was a great success with 1,000 supporters on foot and more than 100 horses.

"I don't think we have ever had so much support on foot.

"It demonstrates that this is a bad piece of legislation, based on prejudice and it will not stand the test of time. The support we had shows that people recognise this," said Mr Butler, former chairman of the Countryside Alliance's Campaign for Hunting.

The hunt was followed throughout the day by BBC environment correspondent Tom Heap and a camera crew.

The Cotswold Hunt set out from the Frogmill Hotel near Andoversford with more than 60 riders and around 500 supporters on foot.

Penny Little, regional spokeswoman for anti-hunt campaign group Protect Our Wild Animals, said: "As far as we are concerned Boxing Day is just a propaganda day for the hunt and they are likely to be on their best behaviour."

No hunts took place in the north Cotswolds yesterday due to freezing weather but both the Heythrop and the Warwickshire are due to ride out on Saturday in the Moreton area.