Hunt supporters out in force

Hundreds of hunt supporters revived some of the UK's oldest traditions and turned out in force today for outings across Shropshire and Mid Wales.

The battle lines were being drawn as hunters and anti-hunt campaigners converged in the countryside throughout Britain for the hunts.

Almost four years on from the ban on hunting in England and Wales, more than 7,700 people have backed a new petition to support the repeal of the Hunting Act and the number is growing, said the Countryside Alliance.

But as hunts up and down the country got under way today, anti-hunt campaigners said the hunters were exploiting loopholes to act "with impunity" in killing animals.

However, Ann Carding, huntmaster of the North Shropshire Hunt, which left from the Bear Hotel at Hodnet at 11am, said she did not anticipate any problems.

"I think it's a lovely traditional Boxing Day event that people don't want to lose so they will come and support them," she said.

The Albrighton Hunt met at St Mary's Street in Newport with riders due to head out at 11am. It was followed by a parade by the Newport Carriage Driving Group.

Hunts were also taking place in Mid Wales today including The Tanantside Hunt, meeting in Welshpool town centre, and the David Davies Hunt at Llanidloes.

Meetings were also setting off from two villages near Shrewsbury along with designated meeting areas in Ludlow and Morville.

More than 300 hunts, including 194 fox hunts with packs of hounds, are expected to take place across England, Wales and Scotland.

The majority will use "trails" – a scent of the quarry laid down artificially.

A dead fox is often the reward for hounds at a hunt's end.