Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend fox hunts across the country today despite the ban on hunting with dogs which came into force nearly two years ago.

In Shropshire and Mid Wales, thousands of people were expected to gather to cheer off the traditional Boxing Day meets.

Shrewsbury pro-hunt supporter Otis Ferry said the big turn-out was a message to the Government.

Mr Ferry, of the South Shropshire Hunt, which met at Hook-a-Gate, near Shrewsbury, said: “The big crowds are a two-fingered gesture to the Government.

“The hunt has gone from strength to strength in Shropshire. The Boxing Day meet is the public’s opportunity to show its support. That support is getting stronger and stronger all the time.”

Members of the Ludlow Hunt met at the town’s Castle Square while the United Hunt met in Bishop’s Castle. Lyndsay Hill, from the United Hunt, said: “People just love it. It’s the fresh air, exercise and tradition that appeals.”

Members of Albrighton Hunt were meeting outside the Royal Victoria Hotel in St Mary’s Street, Newport at about 11am and were expected to be watched by around 1,000 people.

Pat Webster, chairman of the Albrighton Hunt, said the hunt would go ahead as normal and 40 to 60 people on horses were expected to take part. The North Shropshire Hunt was set to head out from the new Shrewsbury Livestock Market at around 11.30am.

Members of the Wynnstay Hunt, from Ruabon, were due to set out at 11am from a village near Whitchurch.

Picture: Steve Burton leads the Albrighton Hunt out of Newport today.