HUNTSMEN and women attending the traditional Boxing Day meet in Droitwich Spa were greeted by angry animal rights protesters.

The Worcestershire Hunt met at the Raven Hotel, in St Andrew's Street, at 11am - marking its first major hunt since the foot and mouth outbreak.

Around 100 anti-hunt campaigners turned out.

They waved placards and sang All Things Bright and Beautiful to their opponents.

Maurice Brett, of Protect our Wild Animals, was present.

He said: "We are hoping to see a total ban on this form of cruel pursuit in 2002.

"Whatever happens, we will be out in force until the Government takes action."

Each of the 80 riders had to sign a certificate of compliance with the foot and mouth precautions.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs completed a veterinary risk assessment in September to enable hunting to resume

One fox caught

Hunt spokesman Bob Brierley confirmed that one fox was caught by the hounds on Boxing Day.

Around 600 people from the Countryside Alliance arrived to welcome the horses.

Joint master David Palmer said: "We are absolutely delighted to be here.

"We've all been affected by foot and mouth and a good many of us are farmers."

A police spokeswoman said there were no arrests.