Basildon MP Angela Smith joined nearly 1,000 people to watch one of the UK's biggest hunts of yesterday, in Maldon.

Campaigners for and against the sport gathered on either side of the high street to greet around 70 members of the Essex Farmers and Union Hunt at the start of its traditional meet. There were noisy and colourful scenes but no violence.

Police made no arrests and were happy the meet had got under way without major incidents or anyone being hurt.

There were angry shouts from many anti-hunt campaigners as the riders trotted through the town after taking the stirrup cup at the nearby Swan pub.

Hunt supporters waved placards calling for hunting to continue and loudly cheered the horses and hounds.

Chief Inspector Dave Folkard, in charge of policing the event, said around 35 officers were on duty in the town centre, with more on standby in vehicles along the route.

Mrs Smith, Labour member for Basildon and East Thurrock, joined the ant-hunt protesters.

She said: "It is high time hunting was ended. You can still have the red jackets and the hounds and ride across the countryside but let's not have a live quarry. Let's have drag hunting instead.''

Demo - anti-hunting supporters make their point as the hunt sets off from Maldon High Street

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