Leaders of the Westcountry's hunting fraternity called for a repeal of the controversial hunting ban at Honiton Show yesterday.

The region's largest one-day agricultural show saw a record-breaking 53 packs of hounds take part, seven more than last year.

"We certainly hope that, given the change in government, we will soon be seeing a renewed look at the legislation surrounding hunting," said Robin Gundry, vice-chairman of the hound classes.

"The fact that entries are up, with packs coming to Honiton from as far afield as Ireland and Leicestershire, shows that enthusiasm and support for hunting is undimmed.

"It's clear the 2004 hunting ban has not worked and there needs to be a way to make hunting acceptable and legal. Cruelty to foxes via shooting, poisoning and killing in the breeding season has risen since the ban. We are hoping the coalition government will act accordingly."

Alison Hawes, regional director of the campaign group Countryside Alliance was also at the show and said that she had been assured by the present government that there would be a free vote on the hunting ban within the lifetime of this Parliament.

"We look forward to a fresh look at country sports and a more sensible approach," she said.

Elsewhere in the show, numbers of entries were up and the show was enjoying its first rain-free day for three years, said show secretary Marcelle Connor.

"It's far busier than last year, which saw a record-breaking attendance of 19,000, so I expect visitor numbers to break the 20,000 mark," she said. "Entries too were up in all livestock classes except horses, which saw a slight fall. We have more than 400 sheep, nearly 200 cattle and 400 horses.

"The numbers of alpacas are also growing with 90 this year, which is remarkable given that we only introduced alpaca classes three years ago.

"We are delighted with the support the show has received this year, which demonstrates the continuing interest in rural and agricultural pursuits here in the South West."

The cattle classes were noteworthy for the fact that the judges took to the microphone to announce their decision-making process to the assembled crowds.

"I think it's an excellent idea," said farmer John Bird of Woodend Farm in Shute, near Axminster, whose Holstein Bartonwood Dorcas the 52nd won her class.

"This way you can understand what the thinking was and why the judge chose the winner. It's helpful for the competitors and the audience too."

In the horses section, entries were 20 down on last year, reflecting the national trend caused by the recession and cost of competing, said chief steward Ben Moore.

"But we've been hit far less than comparable shows," he said.

The main ring too saw a presentation of the award for the longest-serving agricultural employee, which went to Brian Clapp to celebrate his 45 years of unbroken service at Blannicombe Farm near Honiton.