HUNDREDS of pro- and anti-hunt supporters gathered in Tavistock?s Bedford Square for the traditional Boxing Day hunt ? with each side claiming to outnumber the other.

This year?s meet was particularly significant in view of the new Hunting Bill being considered by Parliament.

Although the bill proposes to allow foxhunts where they can be justified for pest control and are not needlessly cruel, MPs may amend the bill, with more than 200 MPs having signed a Commons motion calling for a total ban.

However, the bill is expected to get a rough ride in the House of Lords.

Ivor Annetts, spokesman for the League Against Cruel Sports, said around 200 members from across the West Country, with banners and placards, had mounted a demonstration which had been ?incredibly successful?.

?We were all agreed that this was the best demonstration we have had,? he said. ?There was quite a significant police presence, but aside from a few lively arguments it was peaceful,? he added.

Mr Annetts said they were particularly impressed with the effect their broadcast system had had, playing information on hunting through speakers ? ?demonstrating the gratuitous cruelty to animals embodied within hunting practices?.

?We outnumbered the supporters. It is a sign that hunting is on the way out. In one year it will be gone for ever ? although it might take two,? he stated.

However, according to Spooner?s and West Dartmoor Hunt master Guy Morlock, 52 riders took part in the Tavistock hunt, with around 400 others on foot ?who were certainly in favour of hunting?. ?I was very pleased with the turnout all round,? he said, adding that they outnumbered the protesters by four to one.

?I?m convinced the Government is looking for a way through the middle. The more you look at the matter, the more the evidence is that there is no reason to ban hunting,? he said.

?I have no doubt it will be regulated, but if it is justifiable anywhere it is on Dartmoor ? we pass the test on cruelty and utility,? he stressed.

He said that the League Against Cruel Sports members who staged a protest at the hunt were always ?very civilised?.

?It is part of the tradition that they are there and the atmosphere was fine? he said.