HUNT organisers, remaining buoyant despite the looming ban, are encouraging the public to join them at their annual point-to-point race meetings.

The Harkaway Point-to-Point at Chaddesley Corbett, in north Worcestershire, will be held on Sunday.

Organisers are advertising the point-to-point meetings for "anyone who loves the countryside", saying every horse competing also followed its local hunt.

The Hunting Act comes into force at midnight on Thursday, February 17, unless a legal challenge by the Countryside Alliance in the High Court is successful.

Jen Hancox, of the Harkaway Club, said, along with hunting, point-to-point was a "traditional and, despite the Hunting Act, increasingly popular country pursuit".

"This looks set to be one of our best meetings ever.

"We already have over 300 entries, with horses and trainers coming from all over the country to take part," she said.

"An enormous amount of work and manpower is required to run a meeting of this size.

"The Hunting Act has made us even more determined to show our unity and passion in the face of adversity and, in coming to this meeting, race lovers can show support for their local hunt and their opposition to an unjust law."

Gates open at 9.30am for the first of 10 races at 11.30am. Admittance costs £8 per person.

Children under 16 enter free.