MEMBERS of an anti-racism group are to gather at the Clitheroe Castle gates on Saturday for a four-hour vigil.

The gathering is in response to a festival being held by the British National Party near Sawley this weekend.

Ribble Valley Against Racism will gather in Castlegate from noon to 4pm to communicate its message of "trust, respect and tolerance".

The group was set up last year in response to BNP activity in the area, which included fielding five candidates at the local elections in May. It now claims to have an extensive membership from across the community, including churches and political parties.

Supporter Debbie Handy said: "Members of the public are encouraged to come along to our stand and find out more about the group and the challenges we face in trying to combat the problem of racism in Ribble Valley.

"We believe passionately in the fundamental dignity and value of every human being. We are therefore opposed to any kind of prejudice against anyone for any reason. This event is being held to enable those who share our views to come along and chat informally about what we can do together."

This BNP festival, dubbed the Red, White and Blue, has been advertised as a family event, featuring a bouncy castle, Punch and Judy show, firework display and numerous stalls selling British produce.

British National Party leader Nick Griffin is expected to attend to address thousands of party faithful from across the country at the event.

The far-right party first held the festival in Ribble Valley last year and extra police were drafted in to cope with counter demonstrations from the Anti-Nazi League.

Police are still holding talks with Ribble Valley Council leaders to decide whether to have a high-profile presence at this year's festival.