A CAMPAIGN to ban fox hunting will be taken directly to the Prime Minister's County Durham doorstep.

Animal welfare campaigners are visiting Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency in an effort to enlist support to get hunting with dogs banned.

Representatives from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the League Against Cruel Sports, accompanied by a giant fox costume, will be asking the Prime Minister's constituents to sign postcards.

They intend visiting Ferryhill today, followed on successive days by Darlington, Durham and Sedgefield village.

Campaign spokeswoman Josey Sharrad said: "In 1999, the Prime Minister promised to ban hunting. If he is to deliver on his promise, he needs to bring the Hunting Bill back in September.

"We will be asking local people to fill in postcards to Tony Blair urging him to bring back the Hunting Bill next month.

"Seventy-six per cent of the public want to see hunting banned. We are confident that a large majority of the people of County Durham will share this view and will be keen to support our campaign."

The visit coincides with the fox cub hunting season, which will continue until the main fox hunting season starts in November.

Ms Sharrad said: "There is nothing we can do to protect this year's fox cubs.

"But if Tony Blair brings back the Hunting Bill in September, then next year's cubs will spared this violent and painful death."