Wheelton: Hundreds turn out for trail hunt as prospect of ban 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.