A HUNDRED people turned out to the launch of a new campaigning group formed to oppose the BNP in Pendle.

Representatives from different religions and political parties attended the meeting, which coincided with the launch of a national Unite Against Fascism campaign, backed by the TUC.

Speakers at the meeting, in Nelson Library, included Central Ghosia mosque imam Khalid Mahmood, St Paul's Church curate Charlie Hill, Nelson and Colne College student Amina Akhtar and representatives from anti-racist groups in the North West.

Gordon Prentice MP sent a message of support to the meeting, called by the Trades Council, in which he described the presence of the BNP in Burnley as "a tragedy" for East Lancashire.

Mr Hill, said: "We must oppose racism but also stand with white working class people, who feel they have no voice."

Manchester Against Racsim representative Dick Withecombe said: "If people don't bother voting, the danger is they could have Nick Griffin as their MEP."