In pictures: The countryside march

About 400,000 people descended on London for the Liberty and Livelihood march, bringing the streets of Westminster to a halt.

The march began at 1000BST and edged its way forward

Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith (left) was one of many politicians taking part

Pipers and bands kept the whistle-blowing crowds entertained

Support for the march came from international quarters

Children enjoyed the day out, although not everybody observed instructions not to bring their animals

TV racing pundit John McCririck enjoys a cigar, as thousands file past on London's Piccadilly

Pro-hunt campaigners voice their opinion on London's streets

Masses of protesters flooded past the official count, which by late afternoon had exceeded 300.000

There was an opportunity for a sense of humour to be displayed

Britannia and St. George made role models for some