FALMOUTH MP Candy Atherton is delighted that hunting with hounds could soon be banned for good.

More than 350 MPs voted for an amendment, tabled by Ms Atherton and supported by over 100 other MPs, that bans hunting completely.

As it stood the Bill outlawed the majority of hunts, allowing a few to continue under strict licensing.

But in a free vote, MPs voted by a majority of more than 200 for a comprehensive ban.

Candy Atherton had pled-ged to vote for a total ban before and since her election to her Falmouth and Camborne seat in 1997.

She has received individual representations from several thousand constituents asking her to support a ban.

She also sat on the Parliamentary committee that studied the Bill this year.

"After so many years of debate and delay I think it was vital to settle this issue once and for all," said Ms Atherton.

"I know that this is an emotional issue, but I hope that all will recognise that the majority of people in this country and a clear majority of MPs feel that a cruel sport could no longer be allowed to continue.

"There are alternatives to hunting wild mammals, such as drag hunting, and there is no reason why the more palatable parts of this tradition cannot continue."

She added: "I have been absolutely consistent in my stand on hunting and never left anyone in any doubt about how I would vote on this issue. Ultimately, having made a pledge to the vast number of constituents who have contacted me calling for a total ban, I could not accept any compromise.

"This is not the end of the issue as the Bill now comes back to a committee before being debated in the House of Lords.

"I hope the Lords do not obstruct the Bill and cause further delay, but the Government has indicated that it is prepared to push this legislation through this year."