PROTESTORS last night lit up the sky to show their opposition to Government proposals for a fox hunting ban.

As part of the Countryside Alliance's campaign to keep fox hunting in rural England, regional members of the group created huge beacons of fire spelling out the words No Ban.

About 12 fires blazed in fields across England and Wales in protest at The Hunting Bill, which will return to the House of Commons tomorrow.

Wednesday's vote could lead to a ban coming into effect in two years' time, as the Government has made it clear it is determined to quash any opposition in the House of Lords.

Angela Vaux, North-East regional chairwoman of the Countryside Alliance, organised the fire in a field near her home in Barton, Darlington.

Another fire was organised in Kirkby Overblow near Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

The protest was attended by local supporters and members of the Zetland hunt.

"We are very disappointed that for seven years the Government has said they will listen to the voice of people who know about hunting, but have gone against their promise," said Mrs Vaux.

"I don't think a ban should be imposed because it is not going to save the life of one single fox. Foxes will still have to be managed, but now they are going to be shot.

"At the moment, England has a strong, healthy fox population because, with hunting, only the ill and infirm are killed - strong foxes get away. That won't happen with shooting."

Thousands of field sport enthusiasts are also expected to stage a demonstration outside Parliament tomorrow.