AS THE huntsman's horn sounds for what could be the final time, a north Lancashire hunt is searching for a fearless fell-runner to act as a substitute hare, reports Ruth Lythe.

The Vale of Lune Hunt has been hunting hares with its pack of harriers for 110 years and many of today's hounds are descended from the hunt's original pack.

But all that is set to change today, Friday (February 18) as the Government's ban on hunting most types of mammals with dogs comes into force.

Now the hunt has announced that it is to continue its season, hunting within the letter of the law, with a new quarry a fell-runner or athlete, who will be pursued by the hunt's pack of resident bloodhounds across the hills and dales.

The hunt gathered for a final meet on Wednesday - the last time that the harriers would ever run with the pack before the ban came into force.

David Welsh, Chairman of the Vale of Lune Harriers, said: "The athlete will try to "outfox" the hounds by running in streams, over the tops of walls and circling, so the hounds will have to cast for the scent if it is lost. No trail is laid or dragged and the bloodhounds have such a keen sense of smell that they can follow the scent left by the running shoes.

"We have been in touch with the Lancaster and Morecambe Athletics Club about it, but because we haven't done it before it is going to be a steep learning curve."

The pack of around 20 bloodhounds has been loaned by a friend of the hunt until the end of the season and it may remain with the hunt for years to come.

"No one really knows how long they will stay with us, it depends on the result of the General Election and whether the ban on hunting with dogs will continue," said Mr Welsh.

Sadly, the speedy harriers cannot be used to chase the runner because of fears that they will follow their instinct and go after a hare - leaving the hunt in breach of the law.

Instead they will remain in kennels to be cared for by the Master of the hunt, Clive Richardson.

Chairman of the Lancaster and Morecambe Athletics club Bill Gardner said that being pursued by the hounds could push runners to new limits. "It would certainly raise your pulse a bit," he said.

See Farm and Country for the the full story.