TODAY, on Page 13, we publish an advertisement for the British National Party.

It is not something we have done lightly or from which we take any satisfaction, because we oppose everything that this far-right party stands for.

We understand that some of our readers will disagree with the decision, believing that the BNP should be denied the oxygen of publicity.

However, in going ahead with publication, we have taken into account the fact that the advertisement is perfectly legal and that the BNP is a legitimate party which is entitled to field a candidate in the Sedgefield by-election.

The Northern Echo has a proud tradition of campaigning for freedom of opinion. We believe it is central to a democratic society and we should be proud of the fact that individuals and organisations in this country are free to express their opinions.

It would be hypocritical of us to champion those freedoms only to deny them to an organisation just because we disagree with what it stands for. Where would the line be drawn? How far would we descend into the sinister darkness of censorship?

This is an advertisement which is published reluctantly in the belief that it is right to do so.

But when the people of Sedgefield vote for a successor to Tony Blair on Thursday, we call on them to do so in pursuit of hope rather than the hate which the BNP stands for.

The £1,200 which the BNP paid for the advert will be donated to the Butterwick Children's Hospice.