Members of the Fernie Hunt have launched a legal bid to challenge the convictions of two hunt employees.

Supporters have launched a fund-raising appeal to pay what it believes will be "tens of thousands" of pounds in legal fees.

Huntsman Derek Hopkins (45), of Welham Road, Great Bowden, and terrier man Kevin Allen (51), of Nether Green, Great Bowden, were found guilty by magistrates in Leicester of hunting a wild mammal contrary to the law and digging a badger sett or being reckless that their actions would damage it.

Hopkins was ordered to pay £2,115 in penalties, while Allen had to pay £1,565.

During a seven-day trial in January, Leicester Magistrates Court was shown a video of the Fernie Hunt taken by monitors working for the League Against Cruel Sports.

It showed a fox being dug out of a badger sett by hunt employees. It also showed the fox bolting, followed by hounds.

However, the hunt supporters said the video footage did not provide sufficient evidence to prove a live sett had been damaged or that the men intended to hunt a live fox.

Tim Bonner is a spokesman of the Masters of Foxhounds Association.

He said: "We are looking to raise tens of thousands of pounds as we are seeking a re-run of the trial and will be calling witnesses."

A full appeal hearing will be held in October by a judge helped by two lay magistrates.

A preliminary hearing will be held on April 20 at Leicester Crown Court to decide what evidence will be heard.

Alice Barnard, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, is backing the appeal.

She said: "The Badger Act is one of the few pieces of legislation that can rival the Hunting Act for complication and opaqueness. So it should be no surprise the courts can become confused.

"Derek and Kevin's lawyers have advised there is a good chance of success at appeal."

Both men have refused to comment on the case.

The League Against Cruel Sports refused to comment on the appeal by the Fernie Hunt.