The Heythrop Hunt has suspended two members after horsemen and hounds trampled through the churchyard where Sir Winston Churchill is buried.

The hunt said those responsible could be banned from hunting for the rest of the year after leaving a trail of damage through the graveyard in Bladon.

The two were suspended last night as an apology was issued by the hunt.

The village was in uproar after two riders were seen going into St Martin's churchyard on Friday.

Police were called after hoofmarks were left by the former Prime Minister's grave - recently restored at a cost of £380,000 - and deep holes were left in the turf.

The huntsmen also damaged gardens and broke a manhole cover outside Bladon Primary School.

At first, the hunt denied any wrongdoing claiming it was a "fabrication by anti-hunt protesters". It then said those responsible were hunt followers and not members.

But last night, joint master of the Heythrop Hunt Richard Sumner admitted the blunder.

He said: "Two members of the hunt recklessly rode through the churchyard at Bladon and their membership has been suspended. We regret any distress that the incident may have caused. Something had to be done and we had to take a fairly hard line."

Bladon Parish Council is understood to be writing a letter of complaint to the joint masters of the hunt.

Parish Council chairman Mabel Dyer said: "Knowing that Sir Winston Churchill is buried there should have been reason enough for them to give the place a very wide berth. "It is shocking that the hunt should have been so insensitive."

Sue Hawker, headmistress of Bladon Primary School, said pupils had been in the playground only minutes before the hounds rushed through the school yard and the school would be taking up the matter with the hunt.

The Duke of Marlborough, who owns the Blenheim estate, regularly rides with the Heythrop Hunt.

Story date: Monday 08 February

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