A-hunting we still go as tradition beats ban; Scores ride in Boxing Day events.

Byline: BY BEN SCHOFIELD Daily Post Staff

SCORES of riders donned red coats and set off across the countryside yesterday as part of the traditional Boxing Day hunts.

More than 50 riders took part in the Cheshire Forest Boxing Day Hunt, monitored by anti-fox hunting activists.

Joint Master of the Hunt, Richard de Prez, said around 350 people turned up to see the hunt ride out of Lach Dennis, near Northwich.

Mr de Prez said he had seen people with video cameras whom he suspected were "hunt monitors".

He said: "I've only seen two, there may be more. They don't come out in big numbers."

The hunt rode for around 25 miles across open farmland following a trail laid to mimic the movements of a real fox.

Mr de Prez, who is 62 and from Daresbury, added: "It's all going well.

"It's the fourth season of the ban and certainly our membership has slightly increased and public support has increased.

"There's more and more people who seem to be wishing us well than before the ban."

More than 300 hunts, including 194 fox hunts with packs of hounds, were due to take place across England, Wales and Scotland, the Countryside Alliance said.

The Cheshire Forest Hunt is one of up to 50 nationwide that exploit the "bird of prey" exemption in the anti-hunting legislation.

Although she was not flying yesterday, the hunt own a four-year-old Harris Hawk named Alice.

The Hunting Act, which came into force in February, 2005, allows hounds to flush out a fox - or other mammal - for the bird to capture.

Jan Young, who runs the North West League Against Cruel Sports, confirmed the Cheshire Forest Hunt was monitored by her members.

She said: "Two members of the group attended. They have got video cameras and still cameras."

Mrs Young said her group fanned out across the North West to watch seven countryside hunts from Cumbria to Crewe on what was "one of the most important days of the year".

If they capture huntsmen breaking the law on camera, the evidence will be sent to the police.

She added: "We just mingle with everybody, listen to what's being said, follow the hunt around and be like normal followers."

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CAPTION(S):

Young and old alike took part in the hunt Picture: IAN COOPER/ic261208hunt-001; The Wynnstay Hunt gathers on Malpas High Street Code: ic261208hunt-006