PRO-hunt supporters are set to hold a weekend of mass meetings to protest at plans to ban bloodsports.

The Countryside Alliance has declared today Declaration Day when hunters will pledge their intent to break any law that puts an end to hunting with dogs.

Among the packs holding a demo day is the York and Ainsty Hunt, where the hounds were being prepared yesterday.

Edmund Porter, chairman of the Central Fell Packs and spokesman for the demonstration day, said: "The MPs who want to ban hunting have never experienced it.

''They are urban MPs sitting in large towns and cities and they don't understand the country way of life.

''It is a tradition, as well as being a service to fell farmers in the area, who mostly farm sheep.

''We also provide recreation for a great many other people besides.

''I haven't got a criminal record. I might have the odd driving offence, but we are all law-abiding people and will carry on our normal way of life."

The Hunting Bill, as originally drafted, allowed regulated licensed fox hunting, but banned stag hunting and hare coursing.

This was overturned in June when backbench MPs voted to outlaw the sport.

The Lords, which was given only two days of debate at the Committee stage, voted to throw out the ban and reinstate licensed foxhunting.

Now with only weeks to go before the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday, November 26, there are growing fears among hunts that MPs will once more vote for a hunting ban when the Bill returns to the Commons.