An angry reception greeted the South Pembrokeshire Hunt when it rode into Tudor Square, Tenby on Saturday.

Demonstrators - mainly from the League Against Cruel Sports and Animal Aid - held banners urging against any moves to repeal the Hunting Act.

They also made a political protest as they pointed out that the Conservative candidate in the next general election, Simon Hart, is chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, which wants to overturn the current hunting ban.

This was the second year that the hunt had returned to Tudor Square after a previous absence of 17 years. Tenby Town Council agreed on a majority vote that it should be invited for their closing meet of Hunt Week.

Town mayor, Sue Lane, came in for calls of 'shame on the mayor' and 'disgusting' when she greeted the gathering of around 50 riders.

Amongst the protestors was town councillor Trisha Putwain, who had voted against the hunt coming to Tenby. She vowed to campaign vigorously against its return to the town and added: "I joined the demonstration because I find blood sports abhorrent and would be revolted if the present law was overturned."

Local animal welfare campaigner Richard Tiller said he was 'extremely pleased' with the protest, but 'very disappointed' at the attitude of the mayor, who, he said, chose only to talk to hunt members.

Councillor Lane declined to comment on the issue when contacted by the Western Telegraph.

After the meet, hunt members enjoyed a trail ride at Trevayne, Saundersfoot, by invitation of hunt stalwart Dennis Reed.

Said Mr Reed, who was South Pembrokeshire Hunt week committee chairman: "We were delighted that the mayor welcomed us to Tudor Square once again. The protestors were also very welcome and helped create a bit of an atmosphere in the square. This is a democratic country and everyone is perfectly entitled to express their views."