FOUR people have been charged following an anti-racism demonstration in Burnley at the weekend -- in what police described as a largely peaceful event.

Police said the arrests were made following an alleged incident of racial harassment towards Labour National Executive Committee member Shahid Malik in the town centre after the rally, which attracted more than 200 people.

Four men from the Oldham area, who were quizzed by police in connection with public order offences after the march, have been charged and were due to appear before magistrates today.

The Unity Demonstration, organised by the Anti-Nazi League, began with a rally outside Burnley Crown Court in Hammerton Street and included a march along Hammerton Street and down Manchester Road towards the town centre before returning to the court via Finsley Gate.

A group of around 20 counter demonstrators were kept away from the rally by police.

It is not clear where the group were from although one organisation, calling itself White National Pride, had threatened a counter demonstration on its website.

More than 100 officers were on duty to carry out high visibility patrols during the event.

Special evidence-gathering teams from the police were also on hand, equipped with video cameras to film the proceedings and several roads were closed.

Chief Inspector Richard Morgan said: "We had sufficient resources on hand to make sure that any potential for trouble was dealt with effectively.

"The extra police presence was also designed to reassure visitors and shoppers in town and to ensure they could go about their business as usual.

"Four arrests did take place in the town centre for alleged public order offences."

Mr Malik said: "I believe there were a number of far right activists who came to the town intent on causing trouble, but thanks to a strong and well planned police presence that trouble was averted."