THOUSANDS of enthusiasts from around the region turned out in a show of strength to mark what could be the last Boxing Day hunts.

Pro-hunt campaigners believe the Government is preparing to force legislation banning foxhunting on to the statute book, even though the issue was not mentioned in the Queen's Speech.

The Hunting Bill was lost in the Lords in the last parliamentary session, leaving the way open for MPs to invoke the Parliament Acts to get it through.

Deep divisions between supporters and opponents were reflected at the Braes of Derwent Hunt, in Lanchester, where a small group of anti-hunt demonstrators staged a peaceful protest.

Anti-hunt protestor Mary Wood said: "The Countryside Alliance keeps bringing civil liberties into it. But no one has the right to chase animals across the countryside. The Government must bring about a ban and stop this cruelty once and for all."

Fellow protestor Nicola Duckwort said: "The world needs to be more compassionate. They could do drag hunting instead. Where I come from, in the South, they have introduced it and it is very effective."

But hunt follower Bernard Hurl said: "It is not just hunting. It is a way of life - a social thing. The Braes of Derwent Hunt Support Group has raised thousands of pounds for Macmillan Nurses."

Alliance northern area media relations manager James Bates said: "Everybody around the region said they had far more people than last year. Despite the weather, everyone has really reported a fantastic turn out and a fantastic atmosphere."

South Durham Hunt, which met at Bishopton, was also watched by a peaceful crowd, with no protestors.