BURNLEY'S chart-topping anarchists Chumbawamba returned for a triumphant gig in their home town yesterday in a bid to promote racial equality.

The band, who stormed to the top of the charts in 1997 with their anthem Tubthumping, appeared as part of an Anti-Nazi League concert at Burnley Mechanics.

Members of the ANL have stepped up activities after three councillors representing the British National Party were elected to Burnley Council in May.

But despite the concert representing the first appearance by Chumbawamba in Burnley in more than 18 months, staff at the Mechanics box office said only half of the tickets for the event were sold.

Chumbawamba offered their services free of charge in the hope of giving the Anti-Nazi League concert an extra boost.

The "Love Music - Hate Racism" gig was also organised to promote racial harmony following the disturbances last summer.

The gig was also a promotional event for Chumbawamba, who are known for their soaking of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott at the Brit Awards in 1998, as they have a new album entitles Readymades coming out on their own label in August.