CHART-TOPPING band Chumbawamba today launched an attack on the BNP after announcing they would play an Anti Nazi League concert in Burnley for free.

And the lead singer of the band, who stormed to number one with their anthem Tubthumping, has called on people across East Lancashire to unite against hatred and racism.

Outspoken singer Alice Nutter, one of four members of Chumbawamba from Burnley, said the election of three BNP representatives to the town's council in May made acceptable the face of extreme right-wing racism and hatred.

Alice, who changed her name by deed poll to that of one of the Pendle Witches, said today: "We think it's really important for people to stand up to the BNP because if they don't people will get used to them being on the council.

"They will become accepted as part of the political fabric and that's just another way of saying that racism and hatred are acceptable.

"The most terrible attitudes can become normal currency if we let them."

The comments came as the band, who have always been politically outspoken and often controversial, revealed they would perform at an Anti-Nazi League concert in Burnley which aims at promoting racial harmony.

The Love Music-Hate Racism gig will be staged at Burnley Mechanics on Thursday, June 27, the first time the band have played in their home town for more than 18 months.

Featuring Danbert Nobacon, Alice Nutter, Boff and Lou Watts from Burnley, the band are best known for the massive hit single Tubthumping as well as soaking Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott in ice cold water at the Brit Awards in 1998. Tubthumping was recently featured on the hit American cartoon show The Simpsons.

In August they will release a new album, Readymades, on their own label after parting company with EMI. The concert is being organised by the Anti Nazi League who say the idea is to try to combat racial tension in the town, increased by the election of three BNP councillors in the May elections.

Arlene Finnigan, from the Anti-Nazi League said: "The majority of people in Burnley do not share the racist views of the BNP, and positive events such as this gig will help to boost the confidence of the anti-racist majority."

Tickets for the gig are available from The Mechanics on 01282 664400.