DOZENS of extra police officers were drafted in to Weymouth today to combat a planned hunt protest.

Hundreds of protesters were expected on the quayside to confront Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael, who was due to join a coastal cruise from the town.

And they said they had lined up a flotilla of boats to follow Mr Michael along the coast.

Mr Michael, the minister responsible for steering a hunting ban through Parliament, had accepted an invitation to attend the launch of the World Heritage Coast Trust on the paddle steamer Waverley.

The boat was due to leave Weymouth harbour this morning and head eastbound to Swanage along the coastline.

Police said they would turn out in force to ensure there was no violence.

Weymouth East section commander Geoff Hicks said dozens of officers would be brought in to police the demonstration.

He said: "A major security operation is being planned. After the violent clashes in London last week we cannot take a chance with public safety."

Angry hunt protesters clashed violently with police in London last week as MPs voted to ban hunting from 2006.

A spokesman at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs refused to give details of Mr Michael's visit to Weymouth today, and could not confirm whether it would go ahead.

She said: "As far as the minister is concerned it is business as usual.

"We are not prepared to assist the media in setting up a demonstration, or assist demonstrators to gain coverage for their cause - either detract from important events."

But campaigners from the Countryside Alliance said that hundreds of hunt supporters, angry at the decision to ban fox hunting and hare coursing, would gather in the resort.

The alliance's Wessex director Will Templer said protesters would take to boats to follow Mr Michael.

He said: "We're just going to make sure he is met and asked about what is going on.

"I'm sure he will find there will be other boats out in the sea at the same time and I'm sure there will be lots of people making their presence felt."

Mr Michael avoided protesters this weekend after pulling out of 'right to roam' celebrations.

He was due to take part in walks across land in Lancashire and the Peak District which had been opened up under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.

But on Friday he announced he would not be attending, saying he wanted to avoid 'thuggery and violence' which might put families and children at risk.