A DARWEN independence campaigner has announced he will stand for council to eliminate the BNP's chances of gaining seats in the town.

Roy Davies, 56, of Olive Lane, said he would put himself forward if the far-right party were to stand in any wards.

He said: "It's something I have thought about for a long time and now I think it has to be done because I don't want the BNP to get in here.

"If they are campaigning for more money for Darwen, then I can do that too. The people of Darwen know what they want but they don't need to vote for the BNP to get it."

Less than a month ago the BNP announced its intentions to stand in Darwen's five wards. The news was greeted with anger by church leaders and spurred Mr Davies to put himself forward.

Mr Davies said: "If it all goes well and I get in, I will think about starting an Independence for Darwen party which would be dedicated to the people of Darwen and attracting more money to the town."

"Darreners are becoming disillusioned with the lack of investment in the town but the BNP must not get in off the back of making promises to improve the situation."

A petition, signed by 500 residents supporting the move for independence, was put to the council at the beginning of the year, when it was noted by the committee members.

BNP spokesman Simon Bennett said Mr Davies as a candidate would not trouble the party's ambitions.

He said: "If he's standing with the specific aim of stopping us then that's not a good enough reason, and the people of Darwen will see through that.

"It should be about the policies on offer and that's what we will concentrate on."

Coun Paul Browne, of Sudell ward, said he was delighted with the news, despite the possibility of coming up against Mr Davies in next year's elections.

He said: "I welcome Roy and I've asked him on many occasions to stand and I'm glad that he's seriously considering this role for next year."

The prospective candidate would need ten signatures from ward constituents and would need to fill out a candidate's form.