Michael Clayton, from Morcott, Rutland, was a member of the hunt for over 20 years.

He said: "It's one of the most enjoyable books I have written.It was very interesting. Even the kennels the hounds are kept in are listed themselves. They are over 200 years-old."

Michael used different methods to research the book from reading history books to interviewing people.

He said: "There are wonderful records because the huntsmen of Belvoir wrote daily reports."

He was not surprised by much when he was researching the book.

He said: "I knew the history pretty well when I started writing it, but I was surprised by how well it has continued in modern times. It's still got lots of support although it's much more difficult to run.

"They are one of the only hunts which has hounds with all English breeding. That makes them very special."

According to Michael the Hunting Act is badly restricting the hunt.

He said: "They need a repeal of the act. Leicestershire used to attract far more outside visitors but they are now operating in a restricted way.

"The act doesn't work properly. And of course the foxes are not doing any better. They are being killed in different ways."

Michael said that the Belvoir Hunt played a big part in the history of Melton.

He said: "People stayed in the town to go hunting. It was like a winter resort.

"It raised it above the level of an ordinary market town. Melton became the capital of fox hunting."

Michael said the hunt inspired painters in the area and helped the pork pie industry.

He said: "People used to buy them and put the pies in their pocket to take out hunting."

The hunt also brought royalty to the area including Edward VII and Prince Albert. Queen Victoria even followed the hunt around once

He said: "People do get a lot of pleasure out of it. I think the great thing about hunting today is that young people still come. As long as that goes on hunting will always survive. It's a great pitty it's become a political battlefield."