BUCKS Free Press readers have used our website to show their anger at the House of Common's decision to ban hunting with hounds.

More than 85 per cent of the 275 people who voted in our poll on the website said they did not agree with the ban on hunting foxes, deer and hares.

Just over 12 per cent supported the decision and around two per cent said they did not know.

The Vale of Aylesbury Hunt met at Kingston Blount on Saturday, with no riders on horseback because of the frost. No foxes were caught but the hounds, which would disappear if the Bill becomes law, were enjoying the attention of 125 hunt followers on foot.

Senior joint master of the hunt Alan Hill said the hopes of the hunters rested with the House of Lords which could vote against the ban and delay it from becoming law.

The Vale of Aylesbury Hunt keeps 100 hounds at kennels at Kimblewick, plus eight horses.

It employs six full-time staff and meets three or four times a week between autumn and spring.

It costs about £250,00 a year to run, with 500 full members paying £1,500. Labour peer and Buckinghamshire resident Ann Mallalieu, is a member

Penny Little, spokesman for Protect our Wild Animals, said the group would not be relaxing its campaign.

She said the national feeling was for a ban, and MPs had made their views known: "They represent us and it should be carried through into law."

She agreed minority rights should be protected but not if they involved cruelty.

Tory MP for Aylesbury David Lidington, whose constituency includes the hunt, voted against the ban. He said the crux of the debate was individual freedom versus animal welfare.

"It requires a very compelling case that you will improve animal welfare." he said. "The evidence is that this would not happen."

Mr Lidington said there could be worse consquences for foxes if hunting was banned.

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