BOXING Day is expected to see Cheshire hunt fans out in large numbers on the biggest day in the hunting calendar – and many of those taking part hope it will be the last under the hunting ban.

Hundreds of hunts are due to take place across England, Wales and Scotland, with Cheshire hosting two hunts – the Cheshire Hunt and the Cheshire Forest Hunt – again, one of the most popular areas.

The 2004 Act made hunting with dogs a criminal offence, although it is still legal to exercise hounds, chase a scent trail, and flush out foxes to be shot.

Many hunts get around the ban by laying a trail for their dogs to follow, while others use exemptions which allow the use of birds of prey.

Richard de Prez, master of the Cheshire Forest Hunt, said Christmas was one of their most popular events, with even more people seeing the hunt on Christmas Eve than for many years.

And he said, despite the hunting ban being introduced during the 2005 season, numbers involved with hunting “are holding up well, with even a slight increase”.

He said: “Certainly we have seen public support and sympathy for the hunts on a much bigger scale. The numbers that turn up to the hunts at Christmas is always good.

“However, this year it may well be affected by the weather, although we will still be there, even if we can’t hunt. We will turn up with the dogs and give those spectators who come the full spectacle.”