FEARS that the hunting ban would deal the sport a long, slow death were firmly routed at the weekend when bumper numbers of horses and followers turned up for the opening meet of the new season.

At historic Four Burrow Hunt, which was founded in 1780 and covers North West Cornwall, the glorious autumn weather tempted more than 80 riders to join the fray.

Joint master Tony Blumenau, said a good day was had by all.

"The weather was perfect and we had a good turn-out.

"There were about 80 horses and I would say treble the number of people following the hunt on foot or in their cars."

Mr Blumenau said many people turned up to support the hunt and show their defiance of the controversial Hunting Bill.

This came into effect three years ago and banned hounds from killing foxes.

Under current rules, two dogs are allowed to flush out a fox, which can then be shot.

Mr Blumenau said: "When the ban was implemented in February 2005 we were concerned that we would soon be in a position of no longer being able to continue due to financial constraints, then there would be no more hunting.

"But it gladdens the heart to see the hunt so well supported and to see people out to support us in anticipation of the day that this act is repealed."

The Four Burrow Hunt, along with other hunts, has been working hard to maintain its structure in the hope of being able to return seamlessly to previous practices if and when the Hunting Bill is repealed.

Jim Pascoe, chairman of the Four Burrow, said: "We are viewing this as only a temporary ban and as soon as it is repealed we want everything to be in place and we can resume operations."

The hunting season began officially on Saturday.

However, many hunts across the South West have been out during the previous fortnight.

Hunt monitors warned last week that more of their members than ever would be out and using high-tech equipment to make sure hunters stayed within the law.

Mr Pascoe said he had not seen any anti-hunt protestors or hunt monitors during the ride on Saturday.

"I'm not sure I would recognise any of the monitors, but I have certainly not been aware of anyone who has been doing anything other than watching the hunt."

He added that while hunters were vehemently opposed to the law, they intended to stay within it.

"We are not worried about who is watching because we hunt within the law.

"We to do things properly and stay within the law.

"Much as we disagree and despise it, we have no choice," he said.