A NORTH-EAST BNP activist has been appointed acting chairman of the party after Nick Griffin stepped down as leader.

The party's website is reporting that Adam Walker, from Spennymoor, County Durham, has replaced Mr Griffin as acting chairman by, following a meeting of its national executive committee.

Mr Griffin, who has been the public face of the party for more than a decade, has taken on the new role of party president.

The BNP published a statement on its website announcing the change at the top, which reads: "Recently appointed deputy chairman, Adam Walker, has accepted the role of acting chairman of the British National Party after Nick Griffin stepped aside at a meeting of the BNP National Executive held on 19 July.

"The full national executive are united in their support for Adam in this role. Nick Griffin has taken up the position of president."