A MAJOR anti-racism rally is being organised to bring politicians, clergy, national activists and television celebrities to Burnley

The demo on Thursday, October 24, has been organised by the Coalition Against Racism in the wake of the the rioting in the town last year. and the election in May, when three BNP councillors were voted on to the council.

The far right party has since said it was considering fielding candidates in Blackburn and the Ribble Valley within the next few years. Organisers said the demo would highlight "united opposition to the BNP and their policies of race hate."

The rally will take place at the James Hargreaves stand at Burnley Football Club's Turf Moor ground and carry the title "Unite To Stop The BNP."

Advertised at the national Labour Conference in Blackpool this week, speakers billed to appear include TUC Deputy General Secretary Brendan Barber, Burnley Council leader Stuart Caddy, Bishop of Burnley the Rt Rev John Goddard, and Coun Roger Frost, who leads the town's Liberal Democrat group.

Also expected to speak are Lee Jasper from the National Assembly Against Racism, which advises the Home Office on race issues, and former Burnley Mayor Coun Rafique Malik and son Shahid Malik, now a member of Labour's National Executive.

East Lancashire MPs and Accrington-born actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, Hayley Cropper in 'Corrie', have been approached to lend support.