THE call was sounded and the New Forest Hounds moved off, just as it had done every Saturday for longer than anyone could to remember.

However, that was where normality ended.

While other UK hunts vowed to defy the law, the New Forest Hounds made sure their first post-ban meet was entirely legal.

After parading through the centre of Burley the riders returned to the car park, leaving the small number of police with little to do.

Hunt members were comforted by the words of joint master Paul Ames, who used a loudspeaker to issue a rallying cry from the saddle. Many of those present shouted "Hear! hear!" and applauded as Mr Ames criticised the government over its "unnecessary interference" in other people's lives.

"Nothing good will come of this bad Bill," he said.

Mr Ames described how hunting had bounced back, against all expectations, after the First and Second World Wars and added: "We consider this is a just a temporary ban. This is not forever."

His warm words of praise for professional huntsman Paul Woodhouse and his "brilliant" team resulted in another round of prolonged applause.

But that was nothing compared to the reception the hunt received when it staged a parade of hounds through Burley a few minutes later.

Hundreds of wellwishers lined the narrow street and applauded as the riders trotted past the tea rooms and gift shops in the village centre.

The New Forest Beagles also took part in the procession and received an equally warm welcome.

Then it was time for everyone to depart and escape the freezing gusts that seemed to reflect the wind of change blowing through the world of bloodsports.

The New Forest Hounds is facing an uncertain future.

Later this year the group intends to experiment with trail hunting, where a cloth soaked in a fox's urine is dragged across the countryside to give the hounds a scent to follow.

If the trials are successful the riders will seek consent to stage trail hunting in the autumn.

Hunts that operate on private land have vowed to defy the new ban, but the New Forest Hounds ride across public land managed by the Forestry Commission and must comply with the law.

Ken James, of the New Forest Animal Protection Group, said the hunt wanted to stay on good terms with the commission.

He added: "They want to go drag hunting next season and will need a licence.

"If they blot their copybook, it could be refused."

After the talk, the ban and the protests... it's business as usual - See today's 'Spotlight' feature under the 'More News' section.