HUNT leaders in North Yorkshire vowed to keep fighting for their sport as they set out on what could have been their last New Year's Day meet.

An enthusiastic crowd braved the driving rain to watch riders and hounds of the Derwent Hunt set off from The Hall, at Thornton-le-Dale.

The Government is currently wrestling with legislation to come up with a compromise on the issue, which could involve some form of licensing system. But many MPs are campaigning for an outright ban.

A handful of peaceful anti-hunt protesters gathered across the road from The Hall to make their feelings known. They held banners which declared: "People who hunt and shoot are traitors of the natural world," and one of them shouted at hunt supporters through a loud hailer.

He branded them "barbarians" - but was told to shut up and stop waking up hotel guests.

Sarah Morley, secretary of the Derwent Hunt, said the New Year's Day hunt dated back to 1806.

"Obviously we're hoping to carry on," she said.

"We don't know if the Government's proposals will change things, the details are still a bit vague.

"Hunting is definitely the best way to control foxes. We're pleased with the turnout. People from the village really look forward to it.

"The protesters are entitled to their beliefs, but it speaks for itself that the landlady won't allow them in the car park."

Richard Morley, joint master of the Derwent Hunt, said: "The turnout is really good considering the atrocious weather."

Carol Hodgson, landlady of The Hall, passed round Christmas cake and mulled wine to huntsmen before they set off at 11.15am.

Protester Annabel Holt said she used to hunt herself before seeing the error of her ways.

"I hope it's the last hunt we see here," she said. "It's extremely cruel and very unnecessary."

Another campaigner, Dr Jayne Cuthbert, said: "Research has shown that the hounds only catch 2.5 per cent of foxes. The cruelty is compounded by the fact that the hounds are slow.

"The foxes' misery lasts for hours."

Updated: 12:19 Thursday, January 02, 2003