HUNT supporters in the region are expected to turn out in force on Saturday in a show of defiance against the hunting ban.

A last-minute attempt to overturn the Hunting Act 2004 was dismissed in the appeal courts on Wednesday.

Packs of foxhounds and beagles have pledged to operate within the legislation laid down by the Act, but many say they will test loopholes.

Angela Vaux, regional chairman of the pro-hunting Countryside Alliance, said most hunts in the area were expecting a higher than average turnout to demonstrate a show of strength and their opposition to the ban on hunting with dogs.

She said: "A lot of people are intending to go who would not normally be there. I would expect much higher numbers than a normal weekend."

She added: "Every hunt has had to change its constitution from fox hunting or hare coursing. This varies from hunt to hunt - some will hunt a drag or a trail, while beagle packs may switch to hunting rabbits instead of hares or just exercising the dogs.

"The difficulty is these dogs have been trained to hunt foxes or hares and are in-bred to what they have been taught for years, and they are so intelligent."

David Jukes, huntsman with the Zetland Hunt, confirmed that members and supporters planned a "Blair" hunt tomorrow.

A cross-country runner dressed as Prime Minister Tony Blair will be chased by the hounds as a bit of light relief.

Mr Jukes said the Zetland would meet at Aldbrough St John, as usual, and would use the day primarily as a hound exercise.

He added: "We will be doing some hunting within the loopholes that exist in the law. Whether that includes killing a fox, we will have to wait and see."

The Farndale Hunt will meet as usual at Wytherstone House, Pockley, at 11am tomorrow.

Hunt spokesman George Atkinson said: "We will be going out to hunt within the law to ridicule this bad legislation and expose its many flaws.

"We are more determined than ever to fight and overturn this unjust and unenforceable law and we welcome all support for freedom and tolerance."

Police in North Yorkshire, Durham and Cleveland said they would not be following hunts, but would act in the event of the new law being broken.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire police said: "If any offences are reported, we will investigate them.

"The hunts have told us they intend to hunt legally, which is what we would expect from them."

A Durham police spokesman said: "We knew that policing or enforcing the new law would be difficult, but that does not mean we won't try.

"If we receive any information that provides evidence of a crime then we will investigate it, but we are not planing to chase around hunts - that would be impossible."

A spokeswoman for Cleveland police said: "The only hunt taking place in our area is Stokesley Farmers' Beagles, and they have changed their constitution to hunt rabbits instead of hares, so they are legal."

The Country Land and Business Association is issuing guidance to members setting out what is permissible under the Act.

Landowners can allow a hunt to enter their land for legal hunting activities, for example drag hunting or the exercising of hounds, but they cannot knowingly permit a hunt to use their land for illegal hunting.

The maximum penalty for landowners who allow illegal hunting on their property is a fine of up to £5,000, but a conviction under the Hunting Act will not result in the landowner forfeiting any Single Payment entitlement.

Carole Hodgson, CLA assistant regional director said; "We have taken many calls from concerned landowners wishing to support the continuation of hunting, but without falling foul of this ill-conceived legislation.

"I would urge members to seek professional advice specific to their individual circumstances.

"Turning a blind eye to illegal hunting activity on your land may not be kindly looked upon by the courts.