A BRITISH National Party candidate could be set to stand in Bolton during the May local elections.

Leaders of the far-right party say they are considering putting forward a candidate following calls of support from voters in town. Their comments followed a shock election victory for the party in Halifax. Adrian Marsden, aged 42, gained a seat on Calderdale Council after a narrow by-election win on Thursday.

Party spokesman Dr Phil Edwards said: "People have been phoning us from Bolton saying they want to vote BNP. It's something we would consider. We stand where people want us."

The BNP now holds five seats on local councils. Last year the party won one seat in Blackburn and three in Burnley, one of several towns where racial tensions sparked rioting in 2001.

Among the party's policies are "resettlement" of black and Asian people to their lands of ethnic origin.

BNP activists are due to meet soon to decide where to place candidates for the May local elections.

But anti-racism groups in Bolton say the party would not be welcome in the town, which has a reputation for strong inter-ethnic ties.

Mohammed Azam, from the Coalition Against Racism, said: "As far as democracy is concerned, BNP candidates can stand wherever they want.

"But Bolton people need to realise what the BNP stands for and what will happen if they are elected. Racism will increase and the community will be divided.

"If people don't want that they should make sure this party is not elected."

Beverley Bernard, acting chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, said: "The current electoral influence of the BNP is unprecedented.

"Racist parties are on the verge of gaining a hold on a significant number of voters.

"No one should under-estimate the threat this represents to democratic politics and social cohesion."

The BNP, which was formed in 1982, won the Mixenden ward at Calderdale Council from Labour by just 28 votes following a recount.

The party rejects accusations that it is racist.