SOMERSET was braced for confrontation this weekend as defiant hunt members vowed to meet 'as usual' tomorrow (Saturday).

As the ban on hunting came into force today, Devon and Somerset Staghounds, Taunton Vale Fox Hounds and Quantock Staghounds said they were planning to meet.

Alison Brown, joint master of Taunton Vale Fox Hounds, told the County Gazette: "No fox will benefit from the ban - it is not a war against foxes, but a class war.

"Until someone has some common sense we will fight the unenforceable law and not be dictated to."

For the full story, see this week's Somerset County Gazette.