THE British National Party (BNP) could have at least five candidates fighting for seats in County Durham's local elections, according to anti-fascist campaigners.

The Tyne and Wear Anti-Fascist Association has said it knows of at least five BNP candidates who will be put forward in the elections.

The BNP, well known for its right-wing extremist views, has refused to confirm how many candidates it will be fielding in the North-East until nominations close.

But yesterday, a spokesman for the Anti-Fascist Association said it had information suggesting that one candidate would fight a seat in Easington, one in Teesdale, one in Darlington and two would fight seats in Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency.

The spokesman said: "We know of five seats at the moment in County Durham that will be contested by the BNP but there could be more.

"They have already said they will put people up in Hartlepool, East Durham, Sunderland and Gateshead," he said.

Leaflets promoting the BNP have been circulated throughout the North-East in the past weeks in the run-up to the local authority elections.

It is thought former UK Independent Party candidate Trevor Agnew could stand in Darlington, although he has refused to confirm his position.

Mr Agnew, of Davison Road, Darlington, has pledged to support the BNP and UK Independence Party in Tyne and Wear.