SLOGANS threatening "rural rebellion" if a hunting ban comes into force have been daubed on motorway bridges in North Yorkshire.

Three bridges on the A1 between Catterick and Leeming Bar have been hit in what is thought to be a county-wide campaign. The messages include Rural Rights or Rebellion and Hunting for Justice.

The group behind the slogans signs itself the Real Countryside Alliance, a militant group launched in London last month. It has threatened to use extreme forms of direct action to get its pro-hunting message across and a poster unveiled at the group's launch depicts its members as balaclava-wearing terrorists.

North Yorkshire Police, the Countryside Alliance and North Yorkshire County Council this week united to condemn the militants. A joint statement from Countryside Alliance chairman John Jackson and its chief executive, Richard Burge, said: "These tactics are not justified and are an affront to any responsible society which respects the law."

A police spokesman said: "It is not only a criminal offence, but it is an extremely dangerous thing to do."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council said it had yet to work out the cost of removing the slogans. "It will be done as quickly as we can as we believe signs like this can cause a distraction, not only on busy roads but also on narrow country lanes."

l THOUSANDS of North-East people are expected to join the Countryside Alliance March in London on September 22.

Plans are already well advanced to cater for the 5,000 plus rural workers across the region who want to take part.

Three trains chartered by the Alliance will pick up people at Newcastle, Durham and Darlington while scores of coaches will ferry others from more remote parts.

Yesterday, a registration hotline for the Liberty & Livelihood March was launched and already 10,000 people have pledged their intention to join.

Shortly after the march the Government expects to receive a comprehensive report by Lord Burns on the long-term effects of the ban.

Former master of the Zetland Hunt, Angie Vaux, now the Countryside Alliance regional chairman for the North-East, said, hopes were pinned on the report.

She said: "It is not only fox hunting that could be banned it is hare coursing, beagling and any sport which uses dogs to hunt.

"The government has pushed the decision back and back and people just can't get on with their lives."

Supporters who registered for the 2001 march which was postponed due to the foot and mouth crisis are being urged to register again.

To register call the hotline number on 0900 1020900 open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Calls cost 60p/minute and cost a maximum of £1.80.