The Cheshire Hunt and Cheshire Forest Hunt both went ahead - a week after a Bill to ban fox-hunting cleared its first hurdle in the Commons.

But Alex Park, joint master of the Cheshire Forest Hunt, based in Mobberley, showed contempt for those who turned up for the start of the hunt in Lach Dennis, near Plumley.

"These protesters turn up once a year and are bussed in from Manchester and Liverpool," he said.

"There is virtually no local opposition to the Cheshire hunts, because of the 200 years of tradition in the county.

"Most people feel that the hunt does not impact on them at all."

Around 20 protesters had attempted to lock the gates of the Duke of Portland pub at Rudheath, where 70 riders and more than 100 followers met for the Cheshire Forest Hunt.

But huntsmen and pub staff managed to halt the protests.

"I haven't got a problem with the hunt, because they are very nice people whereas foxes can cause quite a nuisance," said Sharon Copestick, landlord of The Duke of Portland.

"It is just a way of life in the country, a tradition."

But Laina Cracknell, a member of the League Against Cruel Sports, who helped to organise the national protests, said: "I think the bell is now tolling for the end of fox-hunting."

The Hunting Bill, which aims to ban hunting, will soon be debated in the House of Lords.

But Tatton MP Martin Bell, who voted against banning fox-hunting, said last week he doubted the Bill would be passed during the current Parliament.

"The bill will be blocked in the House of Lords so this is bound to be an issue for the new prospective candidates in Tatton," he said last week.