IN the latest bizarre twist to the fox hunting saga, fashion trend setters are turning to the country sport for a lead. The politicians may not like it, but ladies of suitable shape are snapping up the skin tight breeches and smartly tailored hunting jackets that are de rigueur for female hunt followers on horseback.

You would have though that with the fatal axe now only held up by the glue of the legal system, demand for hunt clothes and equipment would have been reduced to a trickle.

Not on your life.

Business has been boosted by fashion's twin passions for tweed and "equestrian chic". Ladies who might not know the back end of a horse from the front - although the two are remarkably different - are trotting along to try out the kit.

For some, this is a smart move in more ways than one.

Because among the best sellers is a range of anti-cellulite jodhpurs that originated in the hunting fields of Worcestershire.

With the aim of "smoothing it out and holding it in", they have been designed and are being sold by Endeavour Clothing, the co-founder of which, Fiona Owen, hunted with the Albrighton Woodland Hounds, that are based near Kidderminster.

Now 23, Fiona has ridden ever since she was a child and still has her first pony, the wonderfully named Thumpa, "who is as old as God".

But she also has half a dozen horses, including two show jumpers and two hunters.

"Basically, we set up Endeavour Clothing (her co-partner is Jacqueline Thomas) because we despaired of the quality and cut of much of the equestrian clothing on the market," said Fiona.

"Then we thought that while we were at it, why not include a few fashionable touches that would allow the clothes to be worn as fashion garments."

The result has been a new range of women's hunting gear that is appealing to a unique cross-over market.

Inspired by Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, it features five high-quality items - including "Isabella" anti-cellulite jodhpurs and the "Catherine" hunting jacket, in pure wool with green satin lining and antique brass buttons.

Both are available in sizes from eight to 18. But, be warned, they are not cheap. The jacket costs £540 and the jods, £195.

However, there is fashionable money out there, because the company supplies more than 10 specialist country shops in Britain, runs a mail order and bespoke service and counts Prince Charles, Elizabeth Hurley and Jordan among their fans.

"We manufacture all types of riding clothes, but the new hunt collection for women came about because we wanted to look good when we were out and we knew there were other women who felt the same," Fiona added.

"The Isabella anti-cellulite jodhpurs have been a huge success."

Other items among the hunt collection include an 18ct gold stock pin at £250, cashmere lined full leather riding gloves with a 9ct gold logo for £110 and a Jaquard silk stock interwoven with a gold logo costing £45.

"We're getting calls all the time and we have a new range coming out," she said.

It's the same story elsewhere with many other manufacturers reporting booming sales in ladies breeches and jodhpurs, some of which will never settle into a saddle.

"I think it could be because jodhpurs, especially, make ideal leisure wear," said John Siviter, owner of Equestrian and Country Leisure of Hallow, near Worcester.

"Because of the job they were originally designed to do, they are hard wearing and easy to wash. They are perfect for messing about in the garden or to wear at any other time of the day."

So why not hunt some out today?