County's trail hunt held as ban prospect looms

Hundreds turned out for a New Year's Day hunt meeting against the backdrop of a potential ban on the event.

The Lancashire Wheelton hunt is one of a number around the country that became trail hunts after fox hunting was banned in 2005.

Trail hunts, which see an animal-based scent trail laid for hounds and hunters to follow, rather than real foxes, faces being outlawed by the government.

Supporters of the Lancashire hunt said it was an important part of the rural economy, while opponents said hunts overstated their relevance to countryside life.

The government has argued trail hunting has been used as a "smokescreen" for hunting wild animals.

But Sue Simmons, from Preston, said the Wheelton event "complies with every aspect of the law".

She added: "We get all kinds of people from all walks of life with their horses and ponies from young people to old people and they just get together socially to have a really good sporting day out."

But anti-hunt campaigner Lesley Martin, who monitors events for any potential illegal activity, said it was wrong to suggest rural communities largely backed the practice.

"They're trying to think of all sorts of excuses why they should carry on with their, medieval pastime - most of the locals I speak to want them gone," she said.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.