CENTURIES of tradition in the New Forest look set to end following a vote by MPs for an outright ban on foxhunting.

MPs were debating plans to allow some hunting to continue under licence when the government dramatically withdrew the compromise scheme.

Its decision to scrap the so-called "middle way" left the way open for a complete ban on the ancient bloodsport.

Now the government is set for another bruising battle with the House of Lords, which has fought all previous attempts to outlaw hunting with dogs.

However, ministers have vowed to use the Parliament Act to sidestep the Lords.

The news was welcomed by anti-hunt campaigners in the Forest, including members of the non-violent New Forest Animal Protection Group.

Spokesman Frankie Horan said today: "I'm very pleased - it's about time.

"The government has said it will use the Parliament Act to get the Bill through, so it has a very good chance of becoming law.

"It's excellent news for wildlife and all the people who have spent years campaigning for an end to foxhunting."

The latest twist in the hunting battle came in the House of Commons last night.

A move to ban hunting, proposed by Labour backbencher Tony Banks, was passed by 362 votes to 154 - a majority of 208.

However, the Countryside Alliance said the vote would only stiffen the resolve of the House of Lords to ensure that the bloodsport survived.

Mike Squibb, chairman of the New Forest Hounds, was unavailable for comment.