BIG TURN OUT FOR HUNT

Nearly 1,000 people lined the streets outside the White Hart on Boxing Day morning as 135 riders and horses with their dogs met outside the hostelry for their annual traditional stirrup cup.

By contrast, there were only half a dozen protesters to be seen, a far cry from the days when hundreds of demonstrators, some disguised by balaclavas, heaped abuse on the Huntsmen and women.

Hunt chairman Colin Evans said: 'It was a lovely morning and the crowds were so great that we had difficulty moving up the High Street.

'The small group of protesters were not aggressive. I went over to explain that we no longer hunted foxes but I don't think they believed me.'

The Hunt then went off onto to the Downs and tracked to the other side of Kingston Ridge. From there they followed scent lines to Northease Farm.

The Southdown and Eridge is half-way through its hunting season which usually involves 70 meets.

There are 120 full-time riders and about 600 foot-followers.

Added Mr Evans: 'Our Hunt is stronger than ever but in the long term we can't be sure of our future.

'For instance, we are not certain we can enjoy the continued support of the farmers as our contribution to fox control is not what it was.'

James Shepherd, chairman of the East Sussex Countryside Alliance, said: 'Support from the public has never been higher.

'Despite allegations to the contrary, Hunts have tried to work within this confusing and contradictory law - sometimes in the teeth of attempts by antis to disrupt legal activity by spraying across a laid trail to confuse hounds onto a fox, presumably to make some sort of point.

'If this law is allowed to continue much longer, it will have a negative impact on rural livelihood, the environment, wildlife and the countryside as a whole.

'Increasing numbers of people are beginning to see this.'