HUNTS in Kent will be policed under new guidelines as the Hunting Act 2004 comes into force this Friday.

The guidelines issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers will be followed, assistant chief constable David Ainsworth has vowed.

"Kent Police is taking a pragmatic approach in meeting the challenges of the new law," he said. "Officers have met with both pro-hunting groups and Hunting Act supporters to explain how we intend to police these events, while also listening to their plans.

"Both sides have told us they do not intend to break the law."

Under the new act, a person can be fined up to £5,000 for an offence. However, they will not receive a criminal record and police are not permitted to take fingerprints, DNA samples or photos of someone arrested for an offence, although their details can be retained.

Mr Ainsworth added: "We shall police hunt events appropriately, in the same way we police other public events where our presence is required.

"We have a duty to maintain public safety and public order while also allowing both pro-hunt groups and Hunting Act supporters to take part in lawful activity."

Most hunts in England and Wales were expected to be out today on the last day that hunting with dogs is legal.

The Wye Beagles will meet at The Kings Head Hotel, in Wye, near Ashford, at midday on Saturday. Spokesman Jane McLennan said: "Please come along to support your local hunt in their fight against the hunting ban.

"The Wye Beagles, which is Kent's student and young persons pack of hounds, will continue after the ban comes into force and will meet and operate within the new law to ridicule this bad legislation and expose its many flaws.

"We are more determined than ever to fight and overturn this unjust and unenforceable law and we welcome all support."