ROCK star Brian May came to Stroud on Wednesday to support the ban on fox hunting.

The Queen guitarist met David Drew, Labour's parliamentary candidate, and Environment Secretary Hilary Benn who spoke to party activists and members of the public.

A street stall was set up on Stroud's High Street as part of Mr May's non-political Save Me campaign, which is lobbying MPs to stop the Hunting Act 2004 from being repealed.

Fox and badger cubs from a wildlife sanctuary were also on hand for passing shoppers to stroke.

Mr May then hosted a public meeting at the Old Town Hall, The Shambles, with residents who have signed David Drew's anti-hunt petition, anti-hunting campaign groups and the League Against Cruel Sports.

“I feel something terrible is about to happen,” said Mr May.

“The terrible thing is that the Conservatives could get into power without most of the population realising what they really stand for.

"They have moved themselves into position with the Countryside Alliance.

"If people vote Tory they are voting for the Countryside Alliance.

"Most of the British public don't want that - the vast majority are animal lovers."

Mr Drew said he had been running a nine-month campaign for no repeal on the hunting ban - including deer hunting and hare coursing.

Mr Benn also spoke at the meeting and said that Mr Drew had been an 'outstanding representative for Stroud'.

''I am proud that Labour has outlawed cruel and barbaric sports, and I know that people do not want to turn back the clock with the Conservatives who, if elected, want to reintroduce hunting with dogs,'' he said.

*To coincide with Mr May's visit a film made by Slad Valley resident Denise (Nisa) Ward was shown in the evening at the Old Town Hall. A Minority Pastime: A letter to David Cameron follows Denise's journey after she witnessed a deer torn apart by hunting hounds on her neighbour's land, and decided to find out about other similar incidents across the country. To find out more email nisa@aminoritypastime.net