HUNT members are planning a mass meet at Powick where they will pledge to defy any Government ban on hunting.

The Ledbury Hunt is one of several from across the West Midlands expected to bring a contingent to the event on November 1.

Members will sign a document promising they will not co-operate with any ban on hunting with dogs.

Declaration Day is a joint initiative between the Countryside Alliance and the Council of Hunting Associations. Twelve meetings have been organised across England and Wales.

Around 300 people from Ledbury Hunt are expected to attend the Powick event. Spokesman Donald Haden said it was crucial if they were going to prevent hunting being outlawed.

He said: "The event will show solidarity and say that we will continue hunting, even in the face of it being made illegal.

"It's to show to Tony Blair that the sensible action for him to take would be to fall out with his party rather than with us, as we are a powerful force to be reckoned with."

The organisers of the event say they want to be clear that the protests will be non- violent.

Countryside Alliance spokesman Clare Rowson said: "The mass meets will give individuals the opportunity to make clear their intention to take part in peaceful but committed civil disobedience in the event of a ban on hunting being imposed."

The event at Powick will take place at The Big Ham, at 10am.