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 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 stop hunting, especially after a recent poll revealed 80 per cent of people in the region describe the sport as cruel.

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 but members of the animal welfare group will not rest until there is a permanent ban.

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?"

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 annual 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 wanted another look the atmosphere is always great."

John Seed, 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. Only five per cent of the people who turned out were against hunting which puts their views into perspective."