MEMBERS of the Lunesdale Foxhounds returned home from the traditional New Year's Day hunt confident that this would not be the last. More than 100 spectators turned out to support the Brigsteer hunt while 60 participants took to the countryside for the annual event.

Huntsman Paul Whitehead returned from the four-hour hunt saying he was certain that the Government's hunting bill which proposes to licence foxhunting where it can be proved that it is the least cruel method of pest control would not affect the Lunesdale Foxhounds.

"The Government are talking of licencing fox hunting and I can't see it being a problem for us. I'm sure we will carry on whatever the decision because we would get a licence I'm confident it is the least cruel method of controlling foxes. But I don't trust the Government I just think they don't want to know. For them it is just a class war. All they want to get at is a man in a red jacket on a horse."

Mr Whitehead added that despite the good turn out it had been a "poor" but peaceful hunt with no foxes accounted for and no protesters present.

The New Year holds a packed schedule for The Lunesdale

Foxhounds with hunts taking place today at Tebay and Orton Thursday.

January 8, 2003 10:30