Traditional Boxing Day hunts took place all over the UK, with supporters claiming 320,000 people taking part.

Despite a ban on hunting with dogs since 2005, hunts are still allowed to use dogs to locate foxes, which can be shot or killed by a bird of prey.

The Beaufort Hunt, based at Worcester Lodge, is one of the largest hunts in the UK and attracted more than 2,000 supporters.

Hunt supporters include rural lobby group the Countryside Alliance, who say Mr Blair's law is "unenforceable".

Hunts also took part in Cheshire, where one hunt member turned up in a Santa suit. Supporters say the hunt is a rural tradition.

Opponents of hunting say the practice is "selfish and outdated entertainment" and are pressing for transgressors to be punished

Members of the Avon Vale Hunt near Bristol also rode. Supporters say the strength of support show hunting is not old-fashioned.

Boxing Day saw 314 hunts take to the fields. The League Against Cruel Sports said its members were also out in force.

Police monitored the hunts, making sure those taking part were not breaking the law.

The Conservatives have said they will overturn a ban on hunting with dogs.