Campaigners are pinning their hopes on MPs to stop a controversial badger cull which is due to start on the fringe of the Forest any day now.

Wildlife lovers have called on those behind the cull to wait until after the Commons debate before they start shooting badgers.

Campaigners are holding a vigil at Coleford clock tower at 7pm this Sunday, the day before many believe the cull will start.

Rock legend Brian May's high profile petition of 157,000 names, triggered debate by MPs.

But farmers have to complete the six-week trial cull before the badgers go underground for winter and could start early next week.

News of the Commons debate came days after 30 eminent animal disease experts signed a letter describing the cull as a "costly distraction" that risks making the TB problem worse.

The letter described the cull as "mindless" and accused ministers of failing to tell the truth

Forest-born Professor Sir John Beddington, the Government's chief scientist, has also refused to back the cull as a method of stopping the spread of TB in cattle.

Pro-badger campaigners are now hoping the Government will be forced to stop the cull if MPs come down on their side.

Gloucestershire County Council is holding an extraordinary meeting on October 29 to debate the issue.

GABS organised the half-hour peaceful gathering on Sunday citing growing public concern.

A spokesman said: "The vigil provides an opportunity for people to come together and express their concern peacefully over the possibility of the cull going ahead."