Parts of the Westcountry resounded to the sound of baying hounds and horns at the weekend as the hunting season got under way.

Thousands of people are taking part in the official start of the season, with opening meets occurring until Saturday.

Hunts say the sport is more popular than ever, despite the 2004 Hunting Act, which means that instead of pursuing foxes, hunts will be chasing a scent trail.

Introduction to hunting days, which train novices in the rules and etiquette of the sport, attracted record numbers this autumn. Many of those involved in the sport say this is because of sympathy with hunts since the ban. Anti-cruelty campaigners argue it is due to many riders having been put off before the ban because they did not agree with the pursuit of foxes.

Kevin Clarke, honorary secretary of the East Devon Hunt, said levels of support were "heartening."

"There's no doubt that there's a huge level of support for hunting at the moment," he said. "Realistically there's very little chance of a free vote in the House of Commons which could lead to a possible repeal of the Act. I understand that the Government has far more pressing matters to deal with at the moment, but it's heartening to see the huge levels of support we have."

The League Against Cruel Sports said its investigators and observers were continuing to collect evidence of illegal hunting and were passing this to police.