LOCAL huntsmen hold no fear of being hounded out of their sport. Whatever the outcome of the government debate to ban fox hunting, they will carry on regardless - despite being regular subjects of abuse

The North East Cheshire Drag Hunt, clad in their red coats, will continue to ride out around villages in the area with their specially-bred packs. And they are calling for more people to join them!

But the group wishes to point out they are NOT countrysides killers. They do not hunt foxes. Their hounds are specially trained to sniff out a scent applied to the horses' feet.

A Hunt spokesperson said: "The sight of horses and hounds in Glazebury on Saturday caused a mixed reaction from locals and motorists.

"They could be forgiven for assuming the hunt were in pursuit of foxes. They look exactly like fox hunters. But they're not.

"Riders often find themselves victims of anti-hunting abuse, obviously from people who have no idea what we get up to.

"However, the horse and rider just take the scent wherever the hunt have permission to go, jumping specially prepared fences and obstacles as they go.

"Often riders have to hack along roads to get to their next port of call, and are appealing to motorists to show them some courtesy.

"At the end of the hunt the hounds find the "kill" - a specially pre-prepared treat put out for them."

The Hunt, the only one registered in this area, is now looking for new lines and organising hunts for beginners. The next is on Sunday.

The spokesperson said: "We have to thank the local farmers and land owners on whom the hunt is totally reliant. We are trying to develop new lines if anyone has any land available. Each one is hunted only once a year."

Further information from Liz on 608585.

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