Basildon MP Angela Smith has hailed the Government's bid to ban hunting with dogs after years of campaigning.

Mrs Smith, a long-term champion of animal rights, said she had been frustrated by the House of Lords which had repeatedly wrecked the Government's decision to ban fox hunting.

She said: I have been a member of Parliament for seven years and this issue has been debated on numerous occasions. It has taken a very long time to get to this stage.

"Last night was the end to a very long process. It has been frustrating but I'm glad it is finally over.

"This issue was first debated under this Government in 1997 and has a successive majority has voted for the hunting ban.

"For unelected members of the House of Lords to destroy something that has already been passed in the House of Commons is ridiculous.

"I am very pleased it's been passed and, from the views in my postbag, most of my constituents will be too."

Mrs Smith is a former worker with the League Against Cruel Sports and before being elected to parliament in 1997, she worked with Labour MP Alun Michael, the minister responsible for the Bill to ban fox hunting.