COTSWOLD MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has joined a trade union to show his solidarity with the hunting community.

Mr Clifton-Brown is now the first Member of Parliament to sign up to the Union of Country Sport Workers.

He said: "I believe passionately in the prosperity of rural Britain and for people to have the choice to be able to participate in country sports including hunting. Politicians should show conviction and be able to join with others through the union to pursue their interests."

The MP's show of support follows a decision by Cotswold District Council to lobby the the Minister for Rural Affairs Alun Michael. At its last meeting the council voted almost unanimously to write to the minister urging caution and consultation before any ban is introduced.

In the letter council chairman Tim Royle sought an assurance that the minister would "take into account the results of informed and transparent public consultations and the recommendations of the Burns inquiry".

Councillor Royle also outlined how important the council believes hunting to be to the area.

He said that in the Cotswolds revenue from hunting amounts to £10.5 million, more than the district council's annual budget, and added: "There are some 48 farriers working in the district and between 35-50 per cent of their work is hunt related, it is estimated that up to 50 per cent of these farriers would have to cease trading if hunting is banned.

"The work, connected with hunting, of the veterinary practices within the district is between 25-33 per cent and many of these would find it uneconomic to continue. 'Fallen stock' would no longer be able to be collected by hunt kennels with consequent additional costs to farmers."

However, Bourton farmer Gill Purser, of the Cotswold Support Group for the Abolition of Hunting, said: "Are they speaking on their own behalf or on behalf of the people who put them into power? I do not think their views are representative."