A two-legged quarry provides a different day's sport for a new hunting pack based in Oxfordshire.

Nicknamed the Blonde Fox, keen marathon runner Marina Thompson has been taken on to set a human trail over the rolling landscape of the Berkshire Downs and Chilterns, pursued by a posse of howling hounds.

But the chase ends with happy snuffles and waggy tails rather than blood and tears, as supporters discovered when the Windsor and Chilterns Bloodhounds had its first outing of the season.

Although based in Henley, the pack is kenneled at West Ilsley near Wantage, and it was from there that 37-year-old Marina, from South Moreton, near Didcot, gave them a run to remember. The hunt, which formed just two years ago, observed the customary silence for Remembrance Sunday outside The Harrow pub, whose staff provided the traditional stirrup cup for the large field of riders and foot followers who turned out in support.

The ages of the riders taking part ranged from eight years to their mid-50s - and optional jumps were provided en route for those keen to put their horses through their paces.

Ted Rooke, huntsman and joint Master with his brother, David, said: "It's a privately-owned pack followed mainly by working class people.

"We hunt on a Sunday for as long as people can ride. "It's as much for the less experienced as for the more experienced rider, and it's fun for everyone.

"These hounds have been formed since 1971, and there are now some 12 packs throughout the country.

"Ours are a cross between bloodhounds and Dum- friesshire foxhounds to make them more streamlined.

"We call Marina our 'blonde fox', and they lick her to death at the end! They really look forward to finding her."

Marina, who works as a dental hygienist for Boots the Chemist's in Slough, having recently moved to the area from Inverness in Scotland, is keen to find a local running club to join to pursue her road-running sport. Of her role as human quarry for the hounds, she said: "You're not exactly chased. I finish my run before they start and they just pick up my scent.

"The four 'lines' of hounds aren't run together, and I'm out of sight.

"The hounds are so gentle, and I really enjoy it.

"It's hard work, but it's good fun and good training for me."

Story date: Wednesday 17 November

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.