CAMPAIGNERS bidding to force the BBC to back down over plans to screen a controversial cartoon.

It ridicules the Pope and campaigners are calling on "right thinking people" from throughout East Lancashire to attend a protest meeting on Thursday.

One of the leading players in the campaign, human rights activist James Mawdsley, will be explaining how people can join him in refusing to pay for a television licence as part of the protest. Mr Mawdsley, of Burton Street, Rishton, has vowed to go to prison if necessary to defend his religion.

He has already spent time in solitary confinement in a Burmese prison because of his commitment to human rights and says he is undaunted by the prospect of a British jail if that is what is needed to highlight his fight to stop the Corporation broadcasting Popetown. Mr Mawdsley has already received five demands for payment for his TV licence and has politely pointed out his reasons for not paying.

"I have already given the licence money to a charity but if the BBC scrap their plans for this programme,I will gladly pay for my licence," said Mr Mawdsley.

He initially teamed up with Rishton schoolteacher Joan Hurst to orchestrate the local campaign. They have been joined by Blackburn businessman Bob Turner, a parishioner at St Alban's where Thursday's meeting will be held.

"There is a massive groundswell of public opinion against this programme," said Miss Hurst. "It is not just Roman Catholics who are appalled by this programme."

Mr Turner said pressure groups are springing up all over the country.

The meeting will be held in St Alban's Social Club, Larkhill, starting at 7 pm. Further details are available from Miss Hurst on 01254 886033.