Protesters are expected to target festive hunt meetings when the riders and foxhounds return to two Kent villages later this month.

Both the East Kent Hunt with West Street and Ashford Valley with Tickford Hunt are planning their traditional gatherings in Elham near Canterbury and Tenterden.

But along with supporters, they can expect to be met with a "peaceful" demonstration by protesters.

The Boxing Day hunts were cancelled last year due to the pandemic lockdown. But huntmasters are now planning for the long-standing but controversial events to return on Bank Holiday Monday, December 27.

The Hunting Act 2004 made it illegal to hunt wild animals with dogs and hunt organisers now lay trails for the hounds to follow instead.

In the past, the meets have sparked ugly clashes with hunt protestors who claim foxes are still being killed. As a result, in 2019 huntmasters at the East Kent Hunt with West Street decided to abandon the gathering in Elham village square to avoid the confrontation.

Instead the hounds and riders left from the kennels and paraded through the streets before setting off into the countryside - although the spectacle still attracted activists and a demonstration by the Kent Hunt Saboteurs and animal rights groups.

And on Facebook the anti-hunting group is encouraging its supporters to once again stage demonstrations, but is asking those attending to keep it a peaceful one.

East Kent Hunt with West Street spokesman Nick Onslow says this year's meet is likely to follow the previous format of leaving from the kennels in Elham.

"It will be great to be back in the village after missing out last year and it will be good to see so many of our supporters again.

"There can be up to 500 people which is good news for local businesses too."

Mr Onslow insisted the hunt would be abiding by the Hunting Act.

"Of course, we would still like to see that legislation repealed," he said.

"But right now, at a time of Covid and other health and economic concerns, I am sure the government has more pressing matters on its plate."