HUNTERS in Kidderminster are expecting a bumper turn-out when they meet as usual on Saturday - the day after a ban becomes legal.

A demonstration of support is expected to back the Albrighton Woodland Hunt, based at Hurcott Lane in Kidderminster, which has had to restructure to survive what could be a long fight over the hunting ban.

It faces having to make its kennel/huntsman and horse groom redundant by May 1 - the end of its financial year - and to sell off horses.

Huntsman, Peter Swann, who is in charge of the 60 hounds, said kennel/huntsman Jim Squires had been signed off with stress for two months because of the worry.

The hunt might also have to sell three of its five horses and is looking for offers but Mr Swann said he was sure the ban would be overturned before they had to consider selling dogs.

"I am very optimistic that we can show this up to be ridiculous and it will only be temporary," he explained. "Guidelines have been set by our governing bodies and we will be sticking to them. It is not a question of breaking the law - it is a question of pushing the boundaries.

"If the police are there, we won't be breaking the law and I'm sure they have better things to do.

"I will be going out with hounds into the countryside and it will look like foxhunting but no-one will be certain what I am doing."

Trailing - following a fox based scent - or using two hounds to drive foxes towards a gun for pest control will still be legal.

The hunt has 35 members and Mr Swann said it usually attracted around 50 hunters for a Saturday meet.

"I am expecting many more than that as a demonstration of support," he said.

The hunt meets on land including Upper Arley, Blakedown, Churchill and Chaddesley Corbett.

It was due to meet yesterday near Enville, Stourbridge, and on Saturday at 11am at The Fox at Stourton.