HAMPSHIRE'S top policeman has warned hunting enthusiasts that they will end up in court if they flout the ban that begins in just six days.

Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan said his officers would police any suspected illegal hunts and use video evidence in an attempt to secure prosecutions.

He added: "I feel the most effective way to uphold the law is to collect evidence and place it before the Crown Prosecution Service.

"It will then be up to the courts to impose penalties as they deem appropriate.

"My duty is to uphold the law in a professional and measured manner, to minimise violence and the impact on the wider community.

"Therefore we will attend hunts to take action against anyone seeking to break the law, and those found breaching it will face the prospect of prosecution."

Hunting with hounds is due to become illegal from next Friday.

Members of the pro-hunt Countryside Alliance challenged the ban last month.

They said that the 1949 Parliament Act, which was used to force the ban through, was invalid because the Act was never ratified by the House of Lords.

The High Court threw out the challenge, but the alliance appealed and the result is expected to be announced in the next few days.

The New Forest Hounds (NFH) has vowed to comply with the ban.

It plans to continue staging meets, but says any hounds that chase a fox will be called off to prevent the group breaking the law.

Its last hunt will take place next Thursday, when it will assemble outside the Royal Oak pub at Fritham.

The NFH will also be turning out on February 19 - the day after the ban becomes law - but says that it will simply be exercising the hounds.

Hunts across the country will be monitored by the League Against Cruel Sports to ensure they comply with the law.

A spokesman for the organisation said: "We can assist the police by sharing knowledge and evidence so that a criminal act can lead to an arrest."

The NFH received a show of support this week when it staged a parade in Lyndhurst High Street.

One man who watched the parade said: "Not one boo or hiss was heard, only loud cheering and clapping from shoppers and bystanders."