RELIGIOUS leaders in Lancashire have joined forces to try and persuade people not to vote for the BNP in next month's local and European elections.

Churches Together in Lancashire has launched a joint project with Lancashire Council of Mosques, publishing thousands of leaflets and posters urging people to shun the far right party at the elections on Thursday, June 10.

The project, named Don't be Negative Vote Positive, follows the passing of a General Synod resolution concerning the BNP which was unanimously passed in February and is now official Anglican Church policy.

Director of mission for Blackburn Diocese, the Rev Simon Bessant, said: "This project shows that we are not just telling people to work together as faith communities but, in distributing this together, we are actually doing that ourselves.

"Christians and Muslims will be distributing leaflets in wards where the BNP candidates are standing."

The leaflet warns that the rise of the British National Party is a 'threat to the health of our communities' and the BNP's policy of 'voluntary repatriation' was designed to undo decades of co-operation between people once separated by differences.

It carries messages of support from the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Nicholas Reade and from Ibrahim Master, chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques.

The Bishop said: "The leaflet answers those whose negative approach threatens to damage positive relationships which benefit our county.

"It comes from Christians and Muslims committed to working and living together, for a better future for us all."

Mr Master said: "The Lancashire Council of Mosques' work with the churches, in building bridges is well known.

"But this work will need to be consolidated as there are often negative elements like the BNP seeking to undermine all our good work."

David Jones, a spokesman for the BNP, said: "I am speechless and incredulous.

"For millenia Christians and Muslims have been battling each other then when the BNP arrive they suddenly join together to oppose the BNP, I feel very proud. I challenge them to stand in their actions."

The project has been financed by private donations and is supported by The Baptist Church, The Church of England, The Methodist Church, The Roman Catholic Church, The Salvation Army and The United Reformed Church.