FOX HUNTING supporters targeted the Pembroke Dock home of MP Nick Ainger on Sunday morning, to protest against a Government vote today (Wednesday) which could outlaw hunting within three months.

Mr Ainger's family and neighbours were woken at 7.40am by repeated blasts from a hunting horn.

Mr Ainger, who was watching the television news at the time, described it as an 'anti-social' incident which had upset his neighbours. The police were called and the protesters told to leave.

Three hours later around 50 members of the South Pembrokeshire Hunt. holding pro-hunting placards. gathered outside the MP's home.

Mr Ainger had what he said was a 'frank exchange of views' with the protesters on the doorstep of his home for around 45 minutes.

"I have always been prepared to talk to people and debate the issue, but I don't think this type of action is helpful,'' he told the Western Telegraph.

The protesters had challenged Mr Ainger to join them at a hunt meet - an invitation he declined.

Despite the protest, Mr Ainger said he remained firm on his opposition to hunting. He would be using his vote today to support the Bill on Hunting with Dogs.

"This is a free vote, a bill which Parliament has insisted should come back and I am confident there will be a very large majority vote across all parties supporting it,'' he said.

One of the protesters, South Pembrokeshire Hunt committee member Diane Clements, said the protest was one of a series of actions planned by fox hunting supporters.

"Feelings are running very high. There is a lot of anger that the Government has consistently failed to listen to the voice of the countryside,'' she said.