FOX-hunting supporters in Hampshire have rubbished claims they are to block roads into the New Forest in an effort to highlight opposition to a ban on the bloodsport.

The Countryside Alliance was said to have been considering the blockade as part of a series of stunts to prevent the pastime being outlawed, according to a leaked document.

However, a spokesman for the Countryside Alliance's Hampshire branch said the claims were wrong. He said: "Taking this kind of action would be very detrimental to our cause and almost certainly alienate people who are considering supporting us and our aims."