Riders who take part in a Boxing Day hunt through Thornbury say they have no intention of ending the tradition despite more than 3,000 people signing a petition against it.

The Severn Vale Hunt Saboteurs has launched an online campaign against what they describe as the 'ominous spectacle'. 

Despite the opposition, organisers say the Berkeley Hunt meet brings enjoyment to thousands of people and is a Christmas tradition. 

The petition says the event should be banned in public places: “We call on the councils to do the right and democratic thing and consign this hunting tradition to history.

“While unfortunately the hunt can continue on private land and their own estate, it would be an ethical move to prevent the hunt from advertising itself in a public manner.”

Haydn Jones, a joint master of the Berkeley Hunt, said: “I would die in a ditch to defend anyone’s right to disagree with me.

“They can keep protesting but we enjoy what we do and are going to continue doing it.

“We’ve been doing it for more years than I can remember. A few anonymous people won’t spoil that.

“Thousands of people line the streets of Thornbury to enjoy the meet. It’s part of their Christmas celebrations. We hope they can continue to enjoy it.”

Fox hunting with hounds has been banned in England since 2005 and riders now instead follow artificial trails.

The Severn Vale Hunt Saboteurs claim participants of the Berkeley Hunt have been 'witnessed pursuing foxes many times', and birds at the Slimbridge wetland centre were left 'terrorised' by a recent event.

The campaigners also claim to have evidence of staff damaging badger setts, and 'artificial earths' designed to hold or encourage foxes have been found on the Berkeley Estate.

Mr Jones dismissed suggestions the event is cruel and said the riders follow an artificial trail, adding:

“Everything we do is in line with the law."

Responding to the claim birds had been 'terrorised', he said disturbance is a natural part of an animal’s life, and they would fly away if they felt threatened by a falcon or a fox.

The petition says it will be submitted to Thornbury Town Council but mayor Shirley Holloway said it is nothing to do with the authority.

She said she was not invited to attend last year’s event but would consider going if she had the backing of her council colleagues.

Her predecessor, Cllr Helen Harrison, attended the event in 2017.

The petition will also be handed to South Gloucestershire Council. 

A spokesperson for the authority said: “The annual hunt meet in Thornbury is not something we facilitate. If a nuisance was caused to the public then it would be down to the police to consider if they use their powers to stop the gathering or move people on.”

The petition can be viewed at bit.ly/2N5OX6o.