THE people of York have been urged to use their vote to combat the British National Party (BNP).

Sabby Dhalu, from Unite Against Fascism, last night told the first meeting of a group called Unity, set up to oppose the BNP, that Yorkshire was second on the "hit list" of the BNP after the north-west.

She said: "They are hoping to make their biggest ever election assault on June 10, at the European elections, and Yorkshire is one of the regions they will be targeting.

"A low turnout at the elections could mean the BNP gain an MEP."

Ms Dhalu said many people in Britain had different political views, but the majority were against the BNP.

She said: "Make sure you use your vote."

Coun David Wilde, City of York ward councillor for Hull Road, also addressed the meeting, after his ward was the first the BNP targeted with leaflets.

He said people may have believed the BNP were only active in the Lancashire area, but a paid official of the BNP, John Brayshaw, lived only a few miles up the road in Easingwold. He said: "We like to be a welcoming city, but these people are not welcome here.

"City of York Council passed a resolution two months ago to the effect that we were opposed to the BNP putting out leaflets in York.

"There is a unity of the political parties in York to oppose the British National Party."

Those attending the meeting decided to form an organised campaign, which would be affiliated with the national Unite Against Fascism campaign. Volunteers were recruited to run the group.

Updated: 11:29 Tuesday, February 17, 2004