Hunters and protesters are preparing for another showdown as this year's Boxing Day Hunt approaches.

Hundreds of hunters, on horseback and on foot, are expected at four meets across the county, with at least one protest planned to take place in High Street, Lewes.

Hunt saboteurs have threatened to do whatever it takes to stop foxes being killed.

Police have been gathering intelligence for months about the hunts, seen by many country-dwellers as the highlight of the winter calendar.

The Southdown and Eridge Hunt will meet in High Street, Lewes; the East Sussex and Romney Marsh Hunt will meet in The Green, Battle Abbey; the Chiddingfold, Leconsfield and Cowdray Hunt will meet in Petworth and the Crawley and Horsham Hunt will meet in Shipley.

Members of the Hunt Saboteurs' Association have pledged to disrupt hunts where possible.

Wearing masks, the saboteurs usually hide along the expected hunt routes and use horns and whips to confuse the hounds. They also spray areas where hounds might roam to disguise the scent of a fox.

An active member of the Brighton group, who does not wish to be named, said: "We break the law if direct action necessitates it but we never intend to. All we want to do is save the foxes and we will do whatever it takes. We don't wear masks because we are afraid of being recognised by police - we wear them because we don't want the hunters to see who we are."

Gary Lee is Master of the Southdown and Eridge Hunt. He believes the hunt will run smoothly.

He said: "Everybody has the right to express their opinion but that does not mean there will be any serious trouble.

"The Boxing Day Hunt is a tradition. Last year there were more than a hundred riders and hundreds more on foot. It's a day we are all looking forward to and there is no reason why it will not run smoothly."

The protest in Lewes will take place from 10am. Last year about 80 anti-hunt protesters waved placards and blew whistles as hunters walked and rode through the town centre. One person was arrested for trespass.

The demonstration has been organised by animal rights groups, including the League Against Cruel Sports and Animal Aid.

Fay Marshall, 68, is a member of the League Against Cruel Sports and lives in West Sussex.

She said: "It will be a peaceful demo with the simple aim of showing that the majority of people think tormenting animals for fun is a disgraceful activity."

Police are warning that they will be present at hunts across the county. Officers have been given training on how to deal with specific issues which may arise during the day.