Police escort for Weakest Link host

Anti-hunting demonstrators donned Ms Robinson masks

Police had to escort quiz-show host Anne Robinson into a hunt fund-raising event following protests from anti-hunting demonstrators.

The presenter of the BBC's Weakest Link was hosting a mock version of the quiz on Saturday at a venue in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

The event was to raise money for the Vale of the White Horse Foxhounds, based in the nearby village of Down Ampney.

Anne's support of this cruelty will do nothing to help her popularity

Douglas Batchelor
Lacs chief executive

Police reportedly held back protesters from the League Against Cruel Sports (Lacs) and flanked Ms Robinson as she entered by the building's back door with her hand covering her face.

About 150 demonstrators donned Anne Robinson masks and black T-shirts bearing the slogan: "Anne, you are the weakest link, goodbye".

They waved banners with the words: "Ginger Cool" and "Ginger Fool" illustrated by pictures of a fox and Ms Robinson respectively.

A League spokeswoman said: "She didn't want to face the protesters and didn't want to discuss the cruelty of fox hunting. The police held everyone back.

"People felt she was very cowardly just going in the back entrance."

'Light-hearted event'

But organiser Shona Rogers said the protest had failed to spoil the sell-out event, which was attended by around 450 hunt supporters.

"They are entitled to protest, we have got no problem with that," she added.

"There are lots of people having a good time. We are having a light-hearted, amusing evening."

Lacs chief executive Douglas Batchelor said: "Millions of fans of the Weakest Link in this country agree with us that hunting should be banned.

"Anne's support of this cruelty will do nothing to help her popularity."