Thousands of people across England and Wales showed their support for National Trail Hunting Day.

The event was organised by the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) as the Government considers a total ban on the sport.

From Northumberland to Cornwall, and from Wales to Norfolk, nearly 30 simultaneous events took place.

Thousands of people supported the events, with one venue in Devon having to limit attendance to 1,500 people.

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The Hampshire Hunt (Image: Anna Rainbow Rural Photography)Olly Hughes, managing director of the British Hound Sports Association, said: "What we have seen today is a massive show of support for trail hunting.

"We would urge the Government to engage with us before bringing in new legislation which would be immensely damaging to rural communities up and down the country.

"To attack trail hunting is to attack a rural way of life for tens of thousands of people."

In Devon, the East Devon Hunt joined forces with the Tiverton, Silverton, South Devon, Mid-Devon, Eggesford, Taunton Vale, Seavington, Exmoor, West Somerset, Cotley Harriers, Dulverton West and Dulverton Farmers, meeting at Honiton Showground and riding out over the surrounding countryside.

Mark Heuff, joint master of the Taunton Vale Hunt, said: "It is wonderful to see so many people in Devon choosing to come out and support us.

"When the Hunting Act came in 20 years ago, we thought it was the end for hunting with hounds.

"Since then we have adapted, to be able to continue to enjoy the sport, the heritage and the tradition, in full compliance with the law.

"We will continue to present the facts and to show people what we do and how we do it.

"If we have to host a hundred events like this we will do.

"I just hope the Government will listen."

The new government committed in its manifesto to ban trail hunting, but this would destroy community cohesion in rural areas and is based on an outdated view, according to the BHSA.

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Mr Hughes continued: "There is a myth promoted by our opponents that trail hunting is the preserve of a certain echelon of society far removed from most people’s experience.

"This is simply not true.

"Anyone who has taken the time to attend the National Trail Hunting Day will have seen that those who support trail hunting represent as diverse a demographic as you would see at any other sporting event.

"Furthermore, the allegation that trail hunting is a cover for illegal activities is patently false.

"The facts show that trail hunting is a legal, legitimate and well-regulated activity that is fully compliant with the Hunting Act."