In the Meon Valley, more than 20 banner-waving protesters turned out to demonstrate against their local meet.

In a peaceful protest, anti-hunt campaigners from Gosport and Fareham Animal Aid demonstrated in front of between 50 and 70 members of Hursley and Hambledon Hunt.

Jeannette McClunnan, from neighbouring Corhampton, a protester for more than 25 years, was one of those who gathered outside the Bucks Head pub in Bucks Head Hill, Meonstoke.

She said: "The idea is for us to have a peaceful and joyful demonstration.

"We have been campaigning against what they are doing for many years and it's about time it was banned really.

"February can't come soon enough for me. We are aware there might be challenges and we are prepared for that. Any move they make we are ready for. It's a barbaric sport that has no place in society."