A CANDIDATE contesting the Richmond seat at the general election has told how his official Facebook page was off-line for two weeks after being 'hacked'.

Independent John Blackie says internet vandals prevented him and other administrators from getting access to the page, Vote John Blackie.

All followers were also lost during the security breach and the timeline was also removed.

The page was down for several weeks while Facebook dealt with the incident and restored access.

Mr Backie's supporters have now launched a new page - Vote for John Blackie 4MP.

The leader of Richmondshire District Council and North Yorkshire county councillor said he had no idea who was responsible, adding: "Maybe there was some political motivation or political mischief.

"I don't know who did it. I could use my imagination maybe, but that would not be fair."

Helen Grant, administrator of the site, added in a message to followers: "As you may be aware Vote John Blackie was hacked and all the people who signed up to support him were lost.

"If you were one of these I would be grateful if you could become a friend again and get us up to 500 in the next few days - hopefully I will be able to keep this secure on John's behalf."