FOXES were more numerous and getting bolder, according to a headline in the Malvern Gazette 50 years ago.

The Worcester branch of the National Farmers' Union was asking local hunts "to do everything in their power" to reduce the increasing menace.

Mr A G Campbell of Partridge Farm, Lower Broadheath, told the meeting that foxes had cost him something like £200 in 1954; in a single weekend he lost 90 young turkeys.

Another farmer complained that he had had four lambs taken in two nights.

Mr H M Morgan said the local hunts could take drastic action if they wanted to, and farmers troubled by foxes should get in touch with them.

The meeting resolved that a committee be formed to approach hunts and get them to reduce the number of foxes.