The executive of the far-right National Front in France has expelled the deputy leader of the party, Bruno Megret, and six of his supporters.

Mr Megret and his group were suspended earlier this month in a row with the party's leader, Jean-Marie Le Pen, over nominations for European parliamentary elections.

They had refused to attend the hearing by the party executive and say they have the backing of the majority of the party.

They have called a national congress next month to discuss to whether Mr Le Pen should remain leader.