Furious families in a seaside village said last night claimed huntsmen broke rules to cross National Trust land.

Villagers said up to 10 members of the Percy Hunt gathered in Newton-by-the-Sea, near Embleton, Northumberland, last week, and stayed there all day although they were not licensed to be there.

They said the huntsmen had been abusive and when National Trust wardens asked them to leave, they refused. Trust North-East rural surveyor Charles Bolam said he had written to the hunt expressing his disappointment, and said any repeat of the trespassing would have serious consequences.

Chair of the Percy Hunt Charlie Bucknall said he would be "extremely disappointed" if one of his members had shouted abuse at villagers, and said the members had moved to nearby agricultural land when they were told of the problem.

But people in the village, which is popular with walkers and tourists, said the hunters had "invaded" it on Monday.

They said the men, riding horses, quad bikes and driving Land Rovers, were there from about 10.30am until 4.30pm.

Villager Sheila Kelly said: "Everyone here was extremely unhappy. It's not very pleasant to have hounds running through the village.

"They were here all day and the quad bikes were riding up and down the beach, and they took no notice when they were asked to leave.

"I really don't like the idea of them being here on protected land."

Mr Bolam said: "As soon as this happened I wrote to the Hunt to explain they have not got a licence and should not be there.

"It is not the kind of thing we want to see.

"We do have licences with hunts in other parts, but if this sort of thing continues, we would have to look at withdrawing them."

Mr Bucknall said: "There seems to be some confusion about whether or not that area is covered by our licence, and we will have to clarify that.

"I would certainly be extremely disappointed if someone acted in an abusive manner.

"As far as I know, our huntsmen moved off the National Trust land as soon as it was clear there was a conflict."