HUNDREDS of hunt supporters from across the district lobbied the House of Commons yesterday as MPs debated the controversial anti-hunting Bill.

Coaches were organised by all the local hunts, packed with people who fear that hunting with dogs will be banned.

They joined protesters from all over the country.

Peter Luff, MP for Mid Worcestershire, said yesterday he was supporting proposals to increase the delay before an anti-hunting Bill was implemented to seven years which would mean thousands of hounds being given the chance to live rather than be put down.

He said: "This is a test of whether the House of Commons is genuinely interested in animal welfare or not.

"Because if it is, and it is intent on banning hunting, this is the right way to do it."

Jamie Smith, a member of the North Cotswold Hunt, said: "We want to let people know just how strongly we feel about the way Parliamentary procedure is being used to force this issue through."

Thousands of people who attended a rally on the Three Counties Showground at Malvern nearly a year ago signed forms saying they were prepared to continue hunting even if a Bill was put through the Commons.