HUNTSMEN will meet above Holmfirth on Saturday morning - defying the law banning the sport.

The new law, banning hunting with dogs, comes into effect tomorrow.

But defiant supporters of the Holme Valley Beagles, the Pennine Foxhounds and the Colne Valley Beagles are taking part in a joint meet from The Huntsman Inn, Greenfield Road, at 10am.

The meet is one of scores planned by hunting groups around the country.

Charlie Woodcock, joint master of Holme Valley Beagles, said it was impossible to say how much support there would be for the joint event.

But John Haigh, spokesman for the Yorkshire area of the Countryside Alliance, said he expected "massive support" county-wide.

He added: "All 28 packs of hounds in Yorkshire will be hunting on Saturday and we expect massive support."

After years of heated debate and campaigning by people for and against hunting with hounds, a ban finally comes into force tomorrow.

A massive show of civil disobedience is expected at the weekend, with up to 400,000 supporters at 270 openly advertised hunts.

The League Against Cruel Sports, although delighted by the ban, says it will take a non-confrontational approach and would not be organising any demonstrations.

It says it will help police with low-key surveillance of hunting.

The Country Land and Business Association has warned landowners who allow hunts to cross their land that they could be breaking the law.

The association's Yorkshire director, Dorothy Fairburn, said it was vital landowners sought advice before allowing hunts on their land.