HUNTSMEN are gearing up for the traditional Boxing Day meet - marking the first major event in their calendar following the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The Worcestershire Hunt will arrive the Raven Hotel, Droitwich, at 11am for the annual meet.

Each of the riders, expected to be more than 70 in number, will be asked to sign a certificate of compliance with bio-security precautions.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) completed a veterinary risk assessment in September, in order for hunting to resume.

"Everyone has to sign the certificate to say that they don't live in an infected area or an at risk area before they can ride off," said Nicky Driver of the Countryside Alliance.

"This also says that they have disinfected their boots, their horses' hooves, the vehicles and that no livestock has been transported in their horse boxes.

"Boxing Day is an important day in the hunting calendar.

"It's been a difficult time for farming communities and this will be a clear indication that it will be the beginning of the end and we can look forward to a prosperous New Year.

"Hunting plays a very important role in the countryside. It helps to counter the isolation that people have been feeling."

Bob Brierley, of the Worcestershire Hunt, said the remaining hunts would not be as high profile as on Boxing Day.

"We're looking forward to a nice meet but the rest of the season will be low key because the hounds haven't worked for such a long time," said Mr Brierley.

"We're looking forward to going out and the vast majority of farmers will be pleased to see us. They're worried about the threat of foxes with lambing season coming up."