THE British National Party has announced that it will field at least three candidates in the Ribble Valley local elections in May.

Local campaign groups have responded by calling on Clitheroe residents to use their vote and prevent the far-right party from winning seats.

The news comes on the back of recent BNP election success in Blackburn's Mill Hill ward and Halifax.

It already has three members on Burnley Borough Council.

The party's Lancashire spokesman, Simon Bennett, announced the names of the three candidates to stand in three Clitheroe wards.

And he said more could follow.

Peter McQuade, a 35-year-old refuse collector, will contest Low Moor and Henthorn.

Brian Ferguson, a 36-year-old father-of-three and self-employed painter and decorator, will stand in Littlemoor.

And Shannon Gath, a 34-year-old self-employed caterer, will contest Salthill.

Mr Bennett said: "These candidates will be fighting on a platform that puts the interests of Clitheroe people first.

"They are committed to protecting Clitheroe's rural market identity and, if elected, will oppose housing development on greenbelt land.

"They acknowledge the public's anxiety over the ongoing planning application for a mosque in the town, which they will oppose, as it is clearly not in keeping with Clitheroe's traditional character and is wholly inappropriate.

"They feel their policies will offer a real alternative to the current stale political climate in Clitheroe."

But Ribble Valley campaign groups today called on the community to unite to keep the BNP out.

Chris Gathercole, spokesman for Ribble Valley Against Racism, said: "The news that the BNP is to contest local elections means it is bringing its message of hate and extremism to the heart of our community.

"Ribble Valley is appreciated for its tranquillity and kind, caring people.

"It is a place people are proud of, where they are happy to bring up their children.

"We can do without the BNP in the Ribble Valley and are calling on religious groups, trade unions, organisations and individuals to join us in pledging that there is no place for it in our community."

Jo Harding, spokesman for local peace and justice group Ribble Action, added: "This is much as we expected.

"We have had very positive feedback from our work in raising awareness of the issues involved.

"We are not going to tell people how to vote, but we do feel it is important that people use their vote in the May elections, so that no one wins by default."