Protesters are gearing up to “drive the last nail” into the coffin of a traditional countryside pursuit during one of its biggest meets of the year.

They plan to rally in Elham near Canterbury when The Kent Hounds pass through the village for the Boxing Day Hunt.

The group is now a merger of the East Kent, Ashford Valley, West Street and Tickham hunts.

Members no longer muster in the village square due to safety concerns following previous anti-hunting demonstrations.

But the huntsmen, women and hounds will ride through Elham after setting out from its kennels before heading into the countryside.

It is 20 years since the Hunting Act came into force, banning the hunting of wild animals with dogs in England and Wales.

Now, the hounds follow an animal-based scent in a practice called trail hunting - designed to mimic chasing a live fox - during events in Kent.

But campaigners claim the hunting of foxes continues and animals are still harmed during some hunt meets, even if unintentionally.

Allegations of deliberate fox-hunting is something Kent Hounds leaders vehemently deny and say they operate within the law.

Another form of hunting carried out around the country by other groups is called drag hunting, which often uses a non-animal-based scent such as aniseed that the dogs are trained to follow.

Hunt leaders say the Boxing Day meet is a celebration of a tradition which dates back more than 200 years in Kent.

They describe it as a highlight of the hunting calendar and a “fantastic and social day for everyone to come and enjoy”.

“The day will begin as we pass through Elham which is a fabulous experience with huge support from the rural community,” the group says.

“We will then have an enjoyable ride which will last between one and two hours with a few optional jumps in beautiful countryside and is suitable for all abilities.”

But last year there were ugly scenes as protesters clashed with hunt participants and activists are again expected to try and disrupt the event this Boxing Day.

The demonstration will be led by hunt saboteurs, the East Kent Sabs, who say they are on a mission to “rid Kent of hunting” and bring an end to meets like the Boxing Day Hunt.

They also claim some credit for reducing the number of hunting groups and forcing their merger into one.

Writing on their Facebook page, they say: “It's a joyous fact - hunting is fast becoming extinct.

“Let's drive the last nails into the Kent Hounds coffins, and end hunting forever.

“Grab a banner, join our side, and make your voice heard.”

They are discouraging spectators from going to the village to support the meet but are rallying their own supporters from across east Kent to join the protest.

Meanwhile, the Countryside Alliance continues to campaign for the law to be reversed and the ban on hunting foxes with dogs to be lifted.

A spokesman said: " Boxing Day Hunt meets are a wonderful way of bringing people together, while supporting local businesses.

“Hunt saboteurs are an extreme minority whose behaviour at meets in the past has been unpredictable and at times dangerous.

“We urge the public not to approach them and for the Police to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those present".