LAST year hunt supporters hoped the new government would repeal legislation outlawing the sport.

But, as hundreds gathered across North Devon for the Boxing Day meets, the ban on traditional hunting methods remained.

Prior to the election David Cameron said he would offer a free vote on whether to repeal the hunt law, but the majority of Lib-Dems, the Conservatives' coalition partners, support the ban.

This year Tony Blair, Prime Minister at the time of the Hunting Act 2004, admitted he did not know enough about the debate and said the ban was one of the measures he most regretted putting in place as the country's leader.

Hunt supporters in North Devon hope it will be a matter of time before traditional hunting is lawful again.

Tod Marshman, chairman of the Torrington Farmers' Hunt, said supporters were realistic and appreciated the government had more pressing problems than hunting at the moment.

He said: "The act has not done anything for animal welfare and does not make sense.

"It is cruel to hunt hares, but not rabbits and cruel to hunt mice, but not rats.

"It has left huntspeople in a very difficult situation and with the best will in the world it is a difficult act to work within.

"My view is sooner or later it will be repealed because the act is simply not helpful."

Jenny Richardson, secretary of the Tetcott Hunt, also described the act as unworkable.

She said: "Everybody knows the hunting ban is not going to be at the top of the political agenda, but everybody hopes the vote is overturned soon."

The cold weather and icy roads meant meets in Torrington and Holsworthy Square went ahead without horses.

Crowds still gathered to watch the traditional meets, which were held on Monday as Boxing Day fell on a Sunday.

Mrs Richardson said around 50 Tetcott hunters met in Holsworthy with crowds of around 150 to watch and many families turned out.

Torrington Farmers' Hunt presented cheques of £1,250 to Northam Lodge and £150 to the Devon Air Ambulance.