RACE Relations suffered a massive blow after the extreme right managed to gain a political foothold in Burnley - but the council leader vowed all sections of the community would be treat equally.

Nearly a year on from the riots that plagued northern towns, three BNP candidates were elected, prompting outrage and widespread criticism.

The gains were the party's first in the North West and they are the first far right councillors since Tower Hamlets in London voted in a candidate nine years ago.

Politicians in Blackburn, Hyndburn and elsewhere in Lancashire spoke of their determination to ensure the surge of support for the party did not spread.

The leader of Burnley Council Stuart Caddy has vowed not to work with the BNP councillors, who will have to sign a code of conduct, which includes a pledge to treat all sections of the community equally, before they can take office.

Race chiefs in the region said there can be no let-up in the fight against racism and all communities must unite to stop the spread of the far-rights poisonous message.

Lord Ouseley, former chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, said the Burnley result would put a "severe chill" on community relations in the area.

"I'm very sad for the people of Burnley that a certain part of Burnley have expressed themselves in such a way," he said.

"I wouldn't like to be a member of a minority community living in Burnley during the foreseeable future."