The race is on for hunting in Maldon to start by Christmas.

After months of speculation, the Government yesterday lifted foot-and-mouth restrictions, with special licences now available.

Initial plans to send for the permit by post may be scrapped though, to ensure the traditional Boxing Day hunt in the High Street goes ahead.

The Essex and Farmers Union Hunt is scheduled to gather in the busy thoroughfare from 11am, when the road will be closed to traffic for an hour.

The annual event had been in jeopardy this year after restrictions were extended into December.

Permits can now be picked up by hand, and huntsmen are considering making the trek to London to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Liz Mort, of the Countryside Alliance, said a personal collection was likely to avoid the "Christmas post" delay and also confirmed she was delighted hunting was able to return.

"'A lot of people have been mad keen to get back to it. Rural businesses will also benefit from the permits being released," she said.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: "The permit system will ensure that any hunting with dogs poses a minimal risk of bringing foot-and-mouth disease back to disease-free counties."

Hunting with dogs to flush out and then shoot animals and pursuing animals from farm to farm on horseback is allowed under the permits. But the RSPCA continues to fight against the decision.

"We believe that hunting should not have been given the go-ahead. But the fact that it has simply increases our resolve to achieve a ban as soon as possible," said spokesman John Rolls.

Deer hunting is still banned under the remaining restrictions.

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001