BOLTON North-east MP David Crausby has called for the Government to bring about a hunting ban in the New Year.

The MP, a long-time campaigner against blood sports, said he feels he has the backing of his constituents in calling for a ban on hunting with dogs and has branded recent Boxing Day hunts a "cruel spectacle".

He said: "I will continue to work for my constituents by pushing for the Hunting Bill to be reintroduced to Parliament at the earliest possible opportunity.

"My constituents have repeatedly told me that they want to see an end to the horrific cruelty of hunting with dogs."

"Boxing Day saw hunts around the country continue to flout public opinion by indulging in a cruel spectacle which reaches its climax with the needless death of wildlife."