I am committing no crime and am proud of the stand I am taking."In polished black and red riding boots and pristine, white jodhpurs, he reassured reporters, police and animal rights activists that the hunt would stay within the law. But it would go on, and eventually the law would be revoked.Until then, tradition would be upheld - for the sake of future generations - even if the hounds could not kill their quarry "We will continue to meet as before," he said. "We are at a point where the Government has distanced itself from what is a moral way of life in the countryside."The countryside has always felt threatened .. We knew one day they would ban hunting The Government doesn't give a shit. This is our last throw of the dice."Then he was off to the stables, where he would don red jacket and riding cap The crowds stood back Young girls swooned.

A gaggle from nearby Harper Adams Agricultural College cheered him on his way."He's a brilliant guy," roared 19-year-old James Hopwood in approval "He is a standing up for our rights And representing the young. It's not just for old, posh people." Becca Westrobe, 18, went further "I am prepared to break the law for what I believe in I would go on a hunt that carried on hunting. And Otis has done wonders for our cause."Not everyone at Eaton Mascott yesterday agreed. Outside the field a small fleet of League Against Cruel Sports vehicles waited, to ensure that the hunt would not pursue and kill foxes with their pack of hounds "Otis is no hero of ours," said June Guest of the League "We champion the rights of the poor, innocent animal. And we're here to make sure these people obey the new law."Back in their compound the supporters were in full voice as 70 or so huntsmen and women circled on horseback, sipped port and prepared for the off. Edward Foster, joint master, looked proudly up as Otis arrived on his prancing white steed "Cometh the hour, cometh the man," he said "He is not just a local hero He is a national and an international one Like Jordan the model, he only needs one name.

Everyone knows Otis."And, so, with a message of support in the form of a letter from the Conservative leader, Michael Howard, they were ready A supporter declared that their struggle was now political. They all had to turn out and fight for a Tory victory in the election.Otis smiled His horse ambled into position. Then his dainty hands raised a small copper horn to his narrow lips And with one blow, a new kind of hunting began.. Nearly 100 foxes were killed, as tens of thousands of hunt supporters and their dogs rode out this weekend for the first time since the Government's ban on hunting with hounds. The League Against Cruel Sports said they expected a number of prosecutions against hunters after gathering evidence of "suspicious behaviour". But after months of tension and warnings of a rural revolt, the day ended peacefully ­ unless you were a fox ­ with both sides claiming victory. The pro-hunting Countryside Alliance said that 91 foxes were killed yesterday by the 260 hunts in England and Wales.