ANNUAL hunter trials will go ahead at Blakedown on Sunday in a bid to keep horses fit in case the ban on hunting is overturned at appeal.

The event, organised by the Albrighton and Woodland Hunt at Deansford Lane, is expected to attract more than 80 riders who will compete for prizes on a cross-country jumping course.

The traditional event is designed to train hunting horses for the demands of the hunting season ahead, introducing them to hedges, ditches and fence rails, as well as testing their fitness to gallop.

Master of foxhounds, Peter Swann, said: "Despite the ban, we are continuing with as many of our usual activities, such as the hunter trials, as possible. It is essential to keep our infrastructure together."

He said his hunt had been forced to make two members of staff redundant and sell three horses as a result of the hunting ban but had not got rid of any hounds.

Appeals to get the ban overturned could take years and Mr Swann said he did not know whether the hunt could survive that long.

In the meantime, it is considering alternatives to fox hunting, including rabbit hunting and following a fake scent.

The hunter trials are open to the public and start at 9.30am. There will also be refreshments and trade stands.