HUNTERS and their hounds took to the countryside for the traditional Boxing Day meet despite the Government ban passed almost four years ago.

The Countryside Alliance estimates more than 300 hunts took place in the UK.

About 70 riders with the South Durham Hunt set out from the Talbot Inn in Bishopton, near Stockton. Hundreds of supporters watched them depart for Redmarshall, Carlton and the surrounding area at 11am with 34 hounds.

Joint master Judy Shield said: “It has been a very successful day and we are pleased to have been so well supported.”

In Great Ayton, members of the Cleveland Hunt met on the High Green.

More than 300 villagers turned out to watch on Boxing Day morning.

In Northallerton, 400 people watched the Hurworth Hunt gather in the High Street, outside the Golden Lion pub.

Hunt secretary Ken Fox said although riders were hoping for a change in the law, using a trail was just as much fun.

“It’s all about keeping a valuable tradition alive until the law changes,” he said. “It is such a social activity and, of course, the horses and the hounds have a wonderful time too.”

The trail led from Northallerton High Street to Otterington and back.

The Hunting Act outlawed hunting with hounds in 2005 but the Countryside Alliance says a 7,700-strong petition for a repeal has growing support.

Most hunts use artificial scents and pre-killed foxes to reward dogs but anti-hunt campaigners say some exploit loopholes in the law.

Pro-hunt campaigners maintain the act is illogical and does nothing to protect wild animals from unnecessary suffering, but opposition to their cause remains fierce.

Douglas Batchelor, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “If hunts are hunting legally, as they claim to be, and attracting record support, why on earth do they want a repeal of the Hunting Act and why are they so reluctant to be monitored?”