HUNTSMEN hope the ban on the centuries-old practice of using hounds to hunt foxes will be repealed in time for next Boxing Day.

More than 1,500 people turned out for the North Staffordshire Hunt's traditional meet on Saturday, a key date in the hunting calendar.

They were among supporters nationwide who gathered for the fifth Boxing Day since the ban was introduced.

But the North Staffordshire riders were only able to parade through the village of Woore, between Newcastle and Nantwich, on Saturday because the ground was too hard to follow trail hunts.

Riders now usually hunt by laying the scent of foxes' urine for the dogs to follow, which allows hunters, horses and hounds to enjoy the illusion of a chase while being within existing laws.

But the new regulations have not dampened enthusiasm according to joint hunt master Tim Warren, from Barlaston.

The 32-year-old said the number of supporters had not dwindled since the hunting ban came into force in 2004.

And Mr Warren, who was with his horse Kielty, added: "I would like to be stood here next year saying we are going out hunting in the traditional form.

"These hounds have been bred for 200 years to hunt foxes and that is what we want to do.

"The North Staffordshire Hunt has been taking place in Woore since Boxing Day 1856.

"It is an important event in the English calendar and that is why we hope the ban will be lifted."

Joint hunt master Ann Hartley added: "If the ban is lifted it will make our lives a lot easier because we are always worrying about trying not to break the law, but occasionally accidents do happen.

"Even when you are hunting legally people can misconstrue what you are doing."

John Mason, treasurer of the hunt committee, said he was "almost certain" the ban would be repealed if the Conservatives come to power next year.

He said: "I am still yet to find anything that is as effective as fox hunting and I hope the ban is lifted because it is a tradition which is part of English heritage.

In Boxing Day's Sentinel, Moorlands MP Charlotte Atkins confirmed she is backing a national campaign – Back the Ban – which supports the ban on hunting with dogs.

Supporters of the legislation fear the Hunting Act will be under threat if the Tories are elected.