A group of huntsmen from Bicester have staged a protest in support of fox hunting in London.

The group, complete with a pack of hounds, gathered in Horseguards Parade close to 10 Downing Street and blew horns as a "wake-up call" to Prime Minister Tony Blair during an hour-long demonstration on Wednesday.

They claimed that despite a six-month consultation beginning seven weeks ago, they had not yet had formal contact with ministers on the proposals.

Patrick Martin, of the Bicester Hunt, said: "This is part of a series of demonstrations we're making to keep reminding the Government we're still here.

"We want them to get on with this consultation.

"We don't want them to use this as an excuse for a six-month breathing space."