The curtain came down on hunting with hounds on Thursday and 150 meets across the country rode out for the final time before the activity was made illegal at midnight.

Thousands turned out to show their support for the 300 year-old tradition - on horseback and on foot.

The law came into force despite months of direct action, marches and legal wrangles from those opposed to the ban.

Labour MP Dan Norris was last night attacked by pro-hunt protestors as he tried to take part in a TV debate on the issue.