THERE is a growing mood of militancy in Ryedale as many country people dig in their heels and vow to break the law if hunting is banned.

"Angry people are doing things that maybe they shouldn't do," said Middleton Hunt master Frank Houghton-Brown.

"But it is effective to show the Government we have teeth. This is a taste of what could happen and we are not going to budge."

Sinnington Hunt master Andrew Osborne has already signed the militant hunting declaration in which he promises to hunt the day after any legislation as part of a programme of civil disobedience.

"I think the mood is quite optimistic in that we are doing what we believe in," he said.

"The Government wants to have its way, stamping on the rural minority. But the simple business is that there is nothing so strong as countryside folk.

"It's the thread of community that runs through the rural areas that goes back generations. And they don't like change."

He added: "We will not have our liberty taken away."

The hunting declaration has reputedly been signed by 20,000 people nationwide.

Mr Houghton-Brown says there is a great feeling of steadfastness. "It's not just about fox hunting now, there are just so many other issues. It's to do with others imposing their will on the country people and no one wants it to happen. It's to do with liberty and choosing. I am prepared to break the law on hunting if it is passed."

At Westow, for eight generations Peter Hutchinson's family has made scarlet coats for the huntsmen. He told the Gazette & Herald: "I do a lot of business in London. I met Iain Duncan Smith's right hand man and tackled him.

"He said that if hunting gets into the Queen's Speech then we will be in trouble. But, he said, he believed a big demonstration could make a difference."

Demand for scarlet coats is good at the moment and he feels there is a spirit of optimism in the hunting crowd.

A hunt-support vigil has been underway in London and members of the Middleton Hunt completed their turn this weekend. Over 14 hours, half a dozen supporters took three turns in maintaining the presence.

Next to go down to London will be members of the Derwent Hunt whose vigil takes place on September 19, followed after the Countryside March by the Sinnington.

Thousands of hunt and countryside supporters will descend on London from Ryedale for the march. Middleton Hunt secretary Gilda Brader reckoned in excess of 1,000 supporters from her hunt alone would be travelling to the capital (some spaces are still available on the 200 train seats reserved for the hunt).

It is a similar picture at the Sinnington: six coaches, plus 100 seats on the charter train and two carriages on the scheduled train have been reserved.

At the Derwent, a smaller hunt, around 300 to 400 people were expected to join in. From the Saltersgate, another small hunt, there will also be a contingent.

Anyone wishing to join in should contact: Middleton Hunt, Gilda Brader (01377) 288315; Sinnington Hunt, Andrew Osborne (01653) 690999 (day); Derwent Hunt, Richard Morley (01751) 474240; Saltersgate Hunt, Andrew Brown (01751) 460461.

On the march: page 6.

Updated: 09:42 Wednesday, September 04, 2002