LORD GREAVES has revealed how the disturbance of a country walk near his home persuaded him to back a ban on hunting with dogs.

The East Lancashire Liberal Democrat spoke out during the House of Lords debate on the issue when Tories lined up to oppose the ban on the bloodsport.

He told how he and his wife, Heather, were on a track called Moor Bottom where they lived in Pendle, and heard a commotion, barking, shouting and horn blowing just over the crest of the hill.

He said: "It was quite clear that some kind of hunt was taking place and, when we got there, we discovered a pack of beagles flushing out hares.

"The dogs found one hare which seemed to get away; and then they found another one which they killed.

"There were two or three men in jackets running around the rough moor looking rather ridiculous. Another couple of walkers came up to me and said: 'What are you lot going to do about this?'

"I took it that he meant by 'you lot' was the House of Lords.

Lord Greaves voted in favour of the ban which got through the Lords on second reading. But it is expected to be amended in committee, risking a conflict with the Commons.

He said: "My judgment is that the hunting of mammals with dogs at this stage of our civilisations development ought not to be allowed."

Former Nelson and Colne MP now Lord Doug Hoyle also backed a ban saying: "There is not much doubt that most people regard hunting as cruel. I find it most remarkable that people are arguing for freedom to inflict cruelty on animals."