Around 100 anti-fox hunting campaigners staged a noisy protest at the traditional Boxing Day hunt which gathered in Elham Square.

The banner-waving demonstrators, some from the East Kent Hunt Saboteurs, are still angry that a prosecution against the East Kent Hunt with West Street over the alleged killing of a fox, filmed by activists, was dropped earlier this year.

The festive meeting is often targeted by protesters and there was a significant police presence in the Square as demonstrators shouted down speeches by the masters of the hunt.

They want to see more active enforcement by police of the Hunting Act 2004, which outlaws the pursuit of wild animals with dogs, because they claim foxes are still being killed.

But Nick Onslow from the East Kent Hunt with West Street Nick Onslow insists it operates within the law.

He said: "Hunt protesters are quite within their rights to object to something they disagree with although some of the abuse that gets shouted is very unpleasant.

"Although I have to take my hat off to the band that was playing with them who seemed to distance themselves from that sort of thing.”

Mr Onslow said the hunt, which has been meeting in Elham Square for more than 100 years, was still well supported by both riders and the public and there was a good turnout. Around 50 horsemen and women as well as youngsters took part in the ride out.

He said: "The evidence is that fox hunting is a far more effective way of controlling the fox population than shooting which is quite indiscriminate, because a fit fox is too quick and crafty and will get away.

"We operate trail hunting within the law although we are still campaigning for the repeal of the Hunting Act 2004."

But he admitted it was still possible for the hounds to get on the scent of a fox and give chase when out trail hunting.

He said: "It’s then down to the Huntsman, who is considered the alpha by the pack, to call them back."

But The League Against Cruel Sports claims most hunts in England and Wales have been hunting illegally by abusing exemptions and using the 'false alibi' of trail hunting.

Despite a new MORI poll which reveals 84% of people are against fox hunting, the government is still planning to offer a free vote to MPs on repealing the Act, which was in the Conservative manifesto.

That has incensed opponents, including the RSPCA which believes hunting with dogs is “barbaric, outdated and has no place in modern Britain.”