LARGE crowds turned out for Boxing Day hunts in parts of Kent. It was the second occasion the traditional events have taken over the festive period since the ban on fox hunting with dogs came into force.

Under the ban, dogs can still be used to follow a scent - but cannot be used to kill the fox.

Anti-hunt protestors also took to the countryside, saying the police should be doing more to enforce the legislation.

Members of The Old Surrey, Burstow and West Kent Hunt, which met in High Street, Penshurst, near Tonbridge, claimed nearly 600 people attended its meet alone.

The Ashford Valley Hunt met in Tenterden and the East Kent Hunt in Elham where a loud cheer greeted huntsman Richard Blakeney as he led his hounds into the village square.

An estimated 600 supporters gathered at Elham to welcome the riders and pack – and show their determination to have the Hunting Act repealed.

With no hunt protestors at the scene, the police presence was low key with just a handful of officers.

Hunt campaigner and spokesman Nick Onslow said: “It was one of the best turnouts we have ever had and just shows the strength of support there is for us.

“There is a huge tradition to this hunt which dates back to the early 19th century and we have been determined to carry on, albeit within the new law.

“We have maintained our breeding pack and hound lines and our huntsman, Richard Blakeneny, is one of two longest serving in the country.

“But the hunt protestors would be wasting their time trying to catch us out because we are trail hunting with a scent and not breaking the law.

“The focus of the hunting fraternity, however, remains in getting this act repealed and we are also using the Human Rights Act to bring a case which we have been given leave to bring to the House of Lords.”

He added: “It is a spiteful piece of legislation. The law can only work with the will of the people and yet support for hunting is bigger than ever.

“It is interesting that a poll on the Radio 4 Today programme puts the Hunting Act in the top six of laws most listeners would like to see repealed.”