ANIMAL rights activists turned out in force to protest against foxhunting in Lacock on Boxing Day.

The meet was the League Against Cruel Sports' main target in the south west. More than 100 protesters carried placards and shouted abuse at the hunters as they gathered outside the Red Lion pub.

Tension mounted after a car pulling a horsebox drove straight at the group. Dozens of police officers controlled the crowd, but there were no arrests.

Only last week, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs granted a licence so the Avon Vale Hunt's traditional Boxing Day meet could go ahead.

This marked the end of a nationwide 10-month ban, imposed because of the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

The League Against Cruel Sports said the Government had an ideal opportunity to keep hunters away from the countryside, especially after a recent poll revealed 80 per cent of people in the region think the sport is cruel.

Helen Nicholas, who has been protesting for 15 years, said: "I don't see why they have to kill animals to enjoy Christmas. The countryside is trying to get over foot-and-mouth; animals were destroyed then and now the bloodthirsty hunters are killing more.

"If it is a sport why isn't it on television? Both sides have an equal chance in sport, but a fox has no chance at all."

Thousands of countryside enthusiasts arrived in Lacock to show their support for the sport. Frank Bickley had travelled all the way from Cornwall to enjoy the spectacle.

He said: "It is a countryside tradition and I would be sad to see it go. I was last here 20 years ago and I wanted another look, as there is always a great atmosphere."

Michaele Norris, who has been with the Avon Vale Hunt for four years, was not put off by the protests and expects to be back in Lacock next year.

John Seed, the master of the Avon Vale Hunt, was also confident of a return.

He said: "It was the best Boxing Day crowd we've ever had. We were the main hunt to be targeted by protesters in the south-west, but only five per cent of the people who turned out were against hunting which puts their views into perspective.

"The results of the recent poll were very contrived and the turnout today showed the level of support we get. We'll be back next year the Labour government is in its second term of office and there is still no sign of hunting being banned."

MPs have already voted overwhelmingly for the ban, but the House of Lords threw out the bill. No date has been set for a new debate next year but the League Against Cruel SPorts has vowed to keep pressing for a permanent ban.