HUNT supporters from across the North-East and North Yorkshire gave a mixed reaction last night to yesterday's scenes outside and inside the Houses of Parliament.

The Countryside Alliance estimated that about 2,000 people from the region travelled to London to join the protest, many on organised coach trips.

Simon Dobinson, huntsman with the South Durham Hunt, based at Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, said: "This is what it is coming to. People are full of anger about this.

"It has been their way of life for a long time. They cannot shout enough how much they love their sport.

"They have all gone down there to protest - they feel they are prejudiced against.

"If they go down there and don't do anything and just sit and relax, what is the point?"

He added: "At the end of the day, a fox is vermin. People seem to forget that. They think it is like the Animals of Farthing Wood."

About 80 people from the York and Ainsty North Hunt based, at Arkendale, near Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, travelled to the protest.

Hunt secretary Owain Pugh said the violence could have been started by extremists.

"Whoever sparked off the trouble, are we absolutely sure that they are part of the rural society? Essentially the rural community is law abiding."

Keith Balbach, joint master of the Hurworth Hunt, based at West Rounton, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, was worried about the effect the violent scenes would have on their cause.

He said: "I can see how people are getting so desperate and frustrated now because the Government isn't listening to them.

"But I do not think that sort of thing will do anyone any good."