"BUILDING a relationship" with townspeople was the aim when the Countryside Alliance appeared for a small rally in Redditch recently.

Croome and West Warwickshire huntsman Pete Astle said hunt members wanted to raise awareness of their way of life when they arrived in the town centre last Wednesday.

He said: "It's important we raise awareness among townspeople about what we do and show them that we're law-abiding people who aren't doing anything wrong."

He added: "The main problem is ignorance - we've been targeted in the past by people who don't really understand our role.

"We wouldn't come into the town and try to educate people about drugs - we don't know anything about drugs - so why do townspeople think they know all about hunting?"

He added huntsmen had received a great deal of criticism about the treatment of their dogs, a number of which accompanied the group during last week's visit.

But he said: "Look at them. They're healthy and happy.

Anyone who wants to pay a visit and see the conditions in which our dogs are kept would be very welcome."

Hunting with dogs was outlawed by the Government earlier this year.