THE Prime Minister's North-East home was besieged by hundreds of hunt supporters, who staged a noisy protest outside his home yesterday.

Tony Blair, who was inside the house, agreed to speak to some of the demonstrators, who were voicing their anger over the Government's decision to re-introduce the Bill that could ban hunting with dogs.

About 300 people, some of them with dogs and horns, took part in the protest outside Mr Blair's home, Myrobella House, in Trimdon, County Durham.

Among them was Otis Ferry, son of pop legend Bryan Ferry, a former whipper-in with a hunt and an outspoken supporter of country pursuits.

Yesterday's demonstration was the first in a series planned to be held leading up to the General Election.

Most of those present said they were prepared to defy any ban and risk being sent to prison, if the Bill becomes law.

Peter Lister, chairman of the Coquetdale and Border Coarsing Club, from Two Law, County Durham, said: "I'm here because this is a total infringement of my civil liberties. This is the start of a long campaign for us. We are all prepared to go to jail because not one of us will stop hunting."

James Bates, spokesman for the Countryside Alliance, vowed that the protests would continue.

He said: "There is going to be a lot of direct and indirect job losses and economic hardship if this Bill becomes law.

"If the Bill does come into effect, the next step will be to take it to the courts. We are gearing up for a big fight."

Mr Blair delayed planned morning engagements to talk to some of the protestors.

Richard Dodd, regional director of the Countryside Alliance, said they explained their position to the Prime Minister and pointed to evidence which they say suggests that hunting with dogs is no more cruel than other control methods.

He said: "We felt that he had listened to us and that it was a genuine conversation. He promised to look into it. We got a hearing, but history will judge if it was a fair hearing."

Police said the demonstration was noisy, but mostly peaceful. One man in his 20s was arrested for a breach of the peace.