PEOPLE hunt foxes and hares, shoot rabbits and pheasants - but the excitement of the chase doesn't compare with the adrenalin rush obtained from a nest of rats scattering in all directions and terrier dogs in hot pursuit, says Matthew Brown, who has probably killed more rats than the famous Pied Piper could ever lay claim to.

Farmer's son Matthew, who hails from Aymestrey and lives on the Buckfield Estate at Leominster, offers a free ratting service to farmers.

The rather unusual hobby is practised with four young terriers - three Plummers and one Lakeland - and it's not uncommon for the bag to top more than 100 rats at a time.

"The terriers are extremely adaptable and will also hunt rabbits and foxes," said Matthew. The Plummer terriers are specially bred for the business, the breed having been developed by the late Brian Plummer from a combination of Beagle, Jack Russell, Fell, and Bull terriers.

"They have amazing noses and absolutely love their work. Just let them go and they will mark up where rats are.

They're quicker, more agile and stronger than a Jack Russell and are so intelligent," enthused Matthew.

The terriers go for the neck and shake the rat to a quick death - but the rats also bite back and a terrier's face can occasionally resemble a pin cushion after a day's hunting. So the dogs have to be regularly injected and receive medical attention to combat the threat of disease while the handlers, take the precaution of wearing gloves.

The North Country Plummer, between 12 and 14in tall and weighing 6kg to 7kg, although a specialist operator, has yet to receive recognition by the Kennel Club.

However, there are 100 members of the Plummer Terrier Club.

Matthew said it was uncanny how well the terriers worked as a team." They are the ultimate for ratting. Most people don't realise just how many rats live on farms or near poultry and pig buildings," said Matthew.

A surprising number of rats live in the fields. During the shooting season large straw bales are placed in fields for shelter and feeding the pheasant population, but they act as breeding grounds for rats. Besides hunting during the day, at weekends, Matthew, a joiner by trade, is also often accompanied by Rob Herschmann and other enthusiasts when he goes lamping. His partner Kate Wall also enjoys the sport. The dogs are the main tool but he also uses ferrets or smoke to get them out of awkward holes.