Protesters defy BNP cordon

Protesters entered an exclusion zone to demonstrate

The Anti-Nazi League conducted a peaceful protest near a festival organised by the far-right British National Party.

A 5km exclusion zone had been set up around the BNP gathering to prevent protesters from disrupting the event, which was held in a large field close to the village of Sawley, near Clitheroe.

But about 20 protesters crossed the line to demonstrate near a car park staffed by BNP supporters.

These people need to be exposed

Anti-Nazi League Demonstrator

A dozen police officers kept watch as ANL members shouted "smash the BNP".

The small group of protesters was permitted to demonstrate for a short time before officers moved them on, a police spokesman said.

One demonstrator described police efforts to thwart the protest as "an assault on democracy".

The man, who asked not to be named, said: "This has been billed as a family fun day by the BNP.

"But it is an event to incite racial hatred. These people need to be exposed."

Personal choice

Julie Waterson, national organiser for the ANL, said members were allowed to make up their own minds as to whether they wanted to enter the exclusion zone.

"Individuals from the ANL have got a responsibility to themselves," she said.

"Many feel they have to stand up and be counted."

Griffin said the event was a family occasion

BNP leader Nick Griffin said about 800 supporters were expected to attend the weekend festival, which had to be moved from Diggle near Oldham in the wake of protests from residents.

"We expect and hope everyone will have a good time," he said. "If people think that families and right-minded people are not allowed to get together then there's something wrong."

Mr Griffin described the gathering as a family occasion, complete with bouncy castles and music. There are also some political speeches planned for Sunday.