FOR more than 300 years it has been an integral part of rural life across Hampshire.

Pink-coated horse riders have assembled on village greens and set off in pursuit of what some say is the countryside's biggest pest - the fox.

As well as creating a unique spectacle the bloodsport has also provided income for farriers, livery yards and other businesses associated with hunting.

However, centuries of rural tradition are about to be swept away.

Hunting with hounds will be illegal from tomorrow following a long and bitter battle fought by people who regard it as a barbaric activity that has no place in a civilised society.

For more on this story see today's Spotlight feature under the 'More News' section of 'This is Southampton'.