HUNTSMEN are undergoing media training to overhaul their image as "arrogant, aloof and out-of-touch".

The charm offensive is being launched ahead of an expected vote to repeal the ban on hunting with hounds if the Conservatives secure a majority at the next election.

The Tories have pledged to hold a free vote on scrapping the legislation, with several key party figures indicating it will be wiped from the statute book.

Hunt masters, kennel staff and others working in the industry are being offered places on training courses to portray a more modern image in front of the TV cameras.

Sessions are being held across the country, with the Countryside Alliance staging mock interviews.

The Alliance's Tim Bonner told Horse and Hound: "Part of the reason why hunting was banned was the stereotype of the arrogant, aloof and out-of- touch hunting world, and some of that was because of the way we interacted with journalists."

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Simon Hart, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: "Communication is vital if the hunting community is to secure a long and thriving future for hunting post-repeal, and both huntsmen agreed that the experience was beneficial."

Last month William Hague, the shadow foreign secretary, said the ban is a "bad law" which should be repealed.

The legislation was "deeply prejudiced" and "ridiculously unworkable", he said.

The comments appeared to go further than the previous party policy to offer time for a free vote.

Pro-hunt supporters seized on the comments, claiming to be within "touching distance of victory" in the battle against one of the Labour Government's most controversial laws.

The looming prospect of a national debate on the repeal of the ban provoked the need for media training.

Alastair Jackson, director of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, told the WMN public attitude towards the ban had "changed completely".

He said: "In the past there have been media training days but perhaps we have not concentrated on professional hunt staff.

"They are the people at the sharp end of the Hunting Act. It is their livelihood at risk.

"If the Conservatives win the election they have said they will bring in a vote pretty quickly. It will all happen very quickly.

"There will be enormous interest for a short period of time."

Mr Jackson added the act is now widely seen as being "unworkable and unfair".

"I think now the Act has been proven to be unworkable and such a farce, and the police are saying it is low down in their priorities, the whole things is becoming a bit of a joke.

"We have got a bad law. It shouldn't be ignored – it should be repealed."