A NEW anti-fascism group in Burnley, formed to urge people to use their vote in the June elections to keep the BNP out, will meet for the first time this week.

The Burnley branch of Unite Against Fascism, a coalition of organisations, including trades unions, political parties and a number of different faith groups, is mounting a campaign against the far right party in the run-up to the local and European elections on June 10.

The far-right party briefly enjoyed a spell as the official opposition in Burnley Council chamber with eight candidates winning seats last May.

The Unite Against Fascism campaign is being supported by members of the mainstream political parties, including the prospective parliamentary Labour Party candidate for Burnley, Kitty Ussher, who will be speaking at the meeting at the Friendship Centre, iBurnley Baptist Church, Colne Road, on Thursday, April 15, at 7.30pm.