Foxhunting supporters say they still hope to see the controversial ban on hunting with dogs lifted, despite a Cumbrian MP pledging that her party would make the law even tougher.

Yesterday Foxhound groups across Cumbria held their traditional Boxing Day meets, stressing that they were using pre-laid trails and acting within the law.

However the issue continues to divide opinion nationally.

Ahead of the hunts, Workington's Sue Hayman, who is shadow environment secretary, said her party wants to toughen up the existing foxhunting laws.

She said an incoming Labour government would review penalties under the Hunting Act 2004 to ensure it is an effective deterrent - potentially introducing of custodial sentences for foxhunting with dogs, bringing it in line with other wildlife crimes.

She said: "Labour's 2004 Hunting Act was a key milestone in banning this cruel blood sport, but since then new practices have developed to exploit loopholes in the legislation. While Theresa May proposed scrapping the Hunting Act all together, Labour is today calling time on those who defy the law by announcing several measures that would clampdown on illegal hunting."

The Boxing Day meetings across Cumbria included the Cumberland Farmers Foxhounds, who gathered in The Square at Dalston ahead of their trail hunt in local countryside, and the Melbreak Foxhounds, who set off from the Wheatsheaf at Lorton for a trail hunt on Low Fell.

Lee Peters, Master of the Cumberland Farmers Foxhounds, said he would still like to see the ban overturned.

"It would be nice to go back to the way it was. Hopefully we will get a repeal eventually," he said.

"Hunting has and will always be there. It is still a popular countryside tradition. We used pre-laid trails, with permission from landowners and everything we do is within the law."

The government says the current Hunting Act includes harsh penalties, including large fines.