A FORMER Scottish huntsman who allegedly breached a hunting ban north of the border has taken up a new role in Dorset.

Rory Innes, who was summoned for hunting a mammal - namely a fox - with several dogs following an incident in Scotland in April, has taken up a position with the South Dorset Hunt.

Mr Innes, 26, started as huntsman and master of the South Dorset Hunt in May and is believed to be living in hunt accommodation near Bere Regis.

He has yet to face court on the incident which is alleged to have taken place while he was working as the master of the Jedforest Hunt.

Mr Innes said today that he had been summoned about the incident and cautioned, but said he was unable to comment further.

Bryher Golding-Barrett, who is spokesman for the Countryside Alliance, which spearheaded a campaign to preserve hunting and organised a major march in London last September, confirmed that Mr Innes was working for the South Dorset Hunt.

She said: "The charge against Mr Innes has yet to be proved. He is innocent until proven guilty."

She said Mr Innes was offered and accepted the position with the South Dorset Hunt before the alleged incident had taken place.

Richard King, joint master of the South Dorset Hunt, said: "I don't know anything about this. I can't comment."

Since the hunting ban was introduced in Scotland only one of the 10 Scottish hunts has disbanded and several people have been charged with breaching the ban.

MPs in the House of Commons voted to ban fox hunting in England in July.

The hunting bill will now have to go back to a Commons committee for further debate and to the House of Lords before a decision on whether to outlaw the pastime is taken.