AFTER a year which saw hunt supporters across the area fearing for their way of life with the introduction of the Hunting Act, many saw in 2006 on a more positive note following an end of year act of defiance.

Hundreds of supporters lined the streets outside Droitwich Spa's Raven Hotel to cheer on riders from the Worcestershire Hunt who had saddled up for the first Boxing Day hunt since the ban came into force.

David Palmer, joint master of the Worcestershire Hunt, said more than 100 riders attended the meet in Droitwich.

"It was a very good turnout. The support for hunting is still strong in this area," he said.

Over at stately Hagley Hall there was no shortage of Boxing Day spectators to view a scene which last February, after the introduction of the new law, looked like it would never be seen again.

A large number of onlookers and around 100 riders turned out for the traditional Albrighton Woodland Hunt meet.

Prior to moving off the Master Peter Swann, in a short speech in which he thanked followers for their continued support, declared the legislation was class driven and riddled with inconsistencies.

The turn out in Droitwich and at Hagley mirrored the results of a recent opinion poll by the Countryside Alliance which claims that two thirds of the public do not think the Hunting Act, which came into effect last February, is working.

Clare Rowson, Midlands regional director for the Countryside Alliance, said: "Hunts are showing their determination to keep hunting within the law until the Hunting Act is repealed or replaced. The countryside deserves better." Pamela Bailey, aged 71, who was supporting the hunt in Droitwich, said: "I've been coming since I was a child. We used to meet at the Worcestershire Hotel, which was across the road from The Raven. It's just a great tradition."

Another supporter, Ron Williams, 68, added: "You come down here to see people you know. I've been attending since about 1975."

However, the meet at The Raven was also attended by around half a dozen anti-hunt supporters making themselves heard by blowing whistles each time riders passed.

One of them, Luke Lamb, aged 20, added: "If a farmer sees a fox killing his chickens, then he's got every reason to kill it. This is nothing to do with pest control - it's fun for them. It's just sick."

In response to claims that the Hunting Act is not working Douglas Batchelor, the chief executive for the League Against Cruel Sports, said: "The law is only not working where Countryside Alliance members are breaking it, by chasing foxes instead of following an artificial scent. The Theft Act did not stop burglary and the hunting act will not stop cruelty - the law only makes these activities a criminal offence."