MEMBERS of the Beaufort Hunt met on Monday for the first time since the start of the foot and mouth crisis ten months ago.

Around 100 riders, another 100 followers on foot and 30 hounds gathered at Swangrove, on the Badminton estate, to mark the start of the hunting season, which usually begins in September.

All hunting was suspended by the Master of Foxhounds Association when the foot and mouth struck in February, amid fears that horses and hounds roaming the countryside would spread the virus around unaffected farms.

On Monday, riders did not set off in the traditional dress of blue and buff, preferring tweed jackets. The traditional hunting dress will be worn for the Boxing Day Hunt on the Badminton estate.

Jo Aldridge, the hunt's public relations officer, said hunt members were delighted to be pursuing their sport again after a break of ten months.

"Everyone is very pleased that the countryside is returning to normal," said Ms Aldridge. "At the beginning there was quiet pleasure that the countryside community is returning to normal.

"Everyone is also delighted that businesses, that were under threat from foot and mouth, as well as the lack of hunting, have received this boost."

Ms Aldridge, who did not take part in Monday's hunt, said protesters stayed away from the meet.

She said she thought the hunters were unsuccessful in catching their fox because the scent was too weak.

The joint master of the Beaufort Hunt, Ian Farquhar, who took part in the meet, was equally delighted that hunting was finally underway again.

"It is good to get going again," he said. "A whole industry has been at a standstill during this ban. It has been a glimpse of the hardship that would be faced if hunting was outlawed permanently.

"Hunting and farming go hand-in-hand and the support of the community for the resumption of hunting has been tremendous."

Hunt supporters say farmers were pleased to see fox hunting resuming under licence, particularly as the lambing season is due to begin next month.

The hunting ban has meant less work for farriers, blacksmiths and saddlers.

Farmer Nigel Maidment, who owns Street Farm, at Cleverton, near Malmesbury, has a livery of six horses.

"The resumption of the hunt is good for farming, good for the countryside, and will really help all of us," said Mr Maidment, who usually takes part in the hunt but could not participate on Monday because of work.

"The big worry was that, the longer the ban went on, the more likely that people who did not feel so strongly about it may think of giving up their horses altogether."

A spokesman for The League Against Cruel Sports said the hunting ban had strengthened the case for the introduction of a law to outlaw the hunting with dogs in England and Wales.

MPs voted in favour of legislation in January, but the proposal was rejected in the House of Lords and the Government is still considering whether there is time for Parliament to look again at the issue.

A spokesperson for the league said: "The foot and mouth crisis has proved that the countryside does not suffer through a ban on fox hunting.

"The only people who benefit are those who enjoy a cruel and unnecessary sport. We are confident that a total ban could be imposed."

He said protesters would be at hunts all around the country on Boxing Day, including the Avon Vale hunt from Lacock.