Thousands of people turned out for what could be the last Boxing Day meet before the hunting ban is repealed.

Freezing conditions underfoot meant the Cottesmore, Fernie and Quorn hunts were restricted to just a gathering while the Belvoir hunt, due to meet in Grantham, was called off.

This year's Boxing Day meet could be the last with the hunting ban in force after Tory leader David Cameron promised a free vote on the issue, if his party wins next year's General Election.

In Prestwold, near Loughborough, about 2,000 people turned out to watch the start of the Quorn hunt.

Crowds had to settle for watching the huntsmen gallop around the grounds of Prestwold Hall followed by the hounds because of the weather.

Quorn huntsman Peter Collins, who has taken part in the past eight meetings, took charge for the day.

He said: "If there is a change in the law, then that will be a good thing for us all. At the moment, we'll do what we can and carry on hunting within the laws.

"It's possible that there could be a repeal if the Conservatives get into power and we would welcome that.

"It's obvious from the thousands here how much support the hunt has."

Alice Barnard, eastern regional director for the Countryside Alliance, was at the Quorn hunt to show her support.

She said: "I'm from Melton and have been coming here on Boxing Day for a number of years.

"Next year could be very significant if David Cameron becomes Prime Minister.

"There are obviously bigger priorities than hunting, but he has promised a free vote.

"The only just action would be to repeal the ban. It's a bad piece of legislation and if there is a vote I think it will be repealed."

Chris Parker, joint master of the Fernie, which met at Great Bowden, said: "We were unable to hunt because of the icy conditions. The gateways and tracks were full of solid ice.

"It's a shame we weren't able to take part in the usual hunt but hopefully next year it will be back to the days before the ban.

"These are quite exciting times for us with the possibility of a repeal a few months away.

"We've been keeping the meets going and the support is as strong as ever.

"The ban is unworkable and unenforceable. We try to stay within the constraints regardless of our views, but it's a silly piece of legislation."

Anti-hunting campaign group the League Against Cruel Sports launched a series of videos on its website on Boxing Day showing images of foxes being killed on hunts.

Louise Robertson, deputy head of campaigns and communications for the League Against Cruel Sports, said hunt supporters were "mad" if they thought a vote would go in their favour.

The group recently carried out a poll, via market research company MORI, which suggested 75% of the public were against hunting and 62% of Conservative voters opposed it.

Ms Robertson said: "We know hunting is not popular with the public and they would be mad to think there will be a repeal."