Scores of Bradford farmers and countryside campaigners are to join a national mass protest in London tomorrow.

At least 140 people from the district will join an estimated 300,000-strong Countryside Alliance Liberty and Livelihood March - the second demonstration of its kind.

The march will split into two - Liberty marchers interested in the freedom to indulge in traditional country pursuits will take one route, while Livelihood marchers will focus on declining farm profitability, dwindling rural services and the lack of affordable housing.

Brian Hickling, 64, of Silsden - a keen country sportsman who is taking 40 people to the march - said people from all walks of life would be there to support rural life as a whole.

Mr Hickling, pictured, said: "Doctors, businessmen, families. We're lovers of countryside traditions and support the right to pursue them.

"Also threatened are rural industries and our community services."

Taking 100 people with him to Westminster is country sportsman John Harding, of Oxenhope. He said: "I'm concerned about restrictions on country sports we've enjoyed for centuries.

"It's an organised march to make the Government consider the effects of their policies."

Freda Gawthorp, 74, of Carr Farm in Calverley, said she wanted a fair pricing market for farmers, whose industry was "gradually eroding". Dairy farmers had seen the price of milk fall by 24 per cent in 12 months, she said.

David North, a dairy farmer and horse breeder who has been at Calverley House Farm, Calverley, for 50 years, said: "The future looks desperate. How do we get the prices back up? As well as imposing legislation, dairy farmers don't get subsidies."

A ban on country sports would also see horse breeders like Mr North go out of business.

Shipley Labour MP Chris Leslie said: "The countryside is more than just fox hunting, which I take a different opinion on. It's about disadvantaged people in the countryside.

"It's clear that each person wants to make their different views known."