A MASTER of the East Kent Hunt is confident its future is secure despite mounting pressure to ban the sport.

David Potter was speaking after the traditional Boxing Day meet at Elham to which countryside supporters turned out in force. They considerably outnumbered about 30 hunt protestors who waved placards and hurled abuse at the huntsmen and women.

But Mr Potter believes the East Kent Hunt will have a unique opportunity to keep going if a licensing scheme, proposed by the Government is introduced. He said: "Kent has more public rights away across the countryside than any other county which means shooting is not an option for controlling the fox population.

"This was not our last Boxing Day meet. The East Kent Hunt is more than 250 years old and I can see it going on for the forseeable future. We had excellent support today - a really good reception.

"We didn't get a fox. Although we saw a few, the wind made it difficult for the hounds to keep the scent. But everyone enjoyed a great ride out."

The hunt paraded in the village square before setting off and faced a verbal barrage from protestors, some of who had their faces covered.

Police were evident in the square but mounted a low-key watching brief although some demonstrators were angry at being filmed by officers. They also howled derision at former Home Secretary and Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard when he arrived and made his way through the crowd.

Hunt protestor Jill Berry said: "We knew the supporters would be out in force but we are not going away until hunting is banned. This Government proposal to licence hunts is just a fudge which does nothing for either side.

"All the poor man's blood sports like cock-fighting have long been banned but fox-hunting is the sport of aristocracy and those with money which is why it is proving harder to beat."

David Wetten, who helped found the Hunt Saboteurs Association, added: "It is only a matter of time now. The Government is sitting on the fence but I think we will finally get rid of it."