KENT Police are urging people not involved with Boxing Day hunt gatherings to avoid roads that are likely to be affected by them.

There is likely to be traffic congestion at the following places:

* The Ashford Valley Hunt, meeting at High Street, Tenterden, traffic disruption from 10am to 11.45am approximately. Roads affected are High Street, West Cross and Smallhythe Road.

* The East Kent Hunt, meeting at The Square, Elham, near Dover, traffic disruption from 10am to 11.30am approximately. Road affected will be The Square, Elham.

* Old Surrey and Burstow Hunt, meeting in the High Street, Penshurst Village. Traffic disruption from 10am to midday approximately.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Police will have a presence at the events. Officers are there to ensure both pro-hunt groups and Hunting Act supporters can take part in their activities, while keeping disruption for local people to a minimum."

Ch Insp Gill Ellis, of Kent Police, said: "We hope everyone can enjoy themselves safely, and we’ll be there to help ensure that, as well as manage traffic in the areas."