EXTREME right wing groups such as the British National Party (BNP) must not be allowed to play the race card in the North-East, say protestors.

The BNP is fielding a record number of candidates in the region's local elections this year, with more than twice as many standing as last year.

Anti-racist groups, trade unions and people from ethnic minority communities will attend a public meeting in Gateshead Civic Centre, today, at 11am.

Dave Walkden, Gateshead branch chairman of the union Unison fears the far-right group is aiming to capitalise on tensions caused by the influx of asylum seekers and refugees.

"The BNP are scapegoating asylum seekers and refugees in order to push their vile policies," he said.

So far, 15 BNP members are confirmed as standing in the elections in May.

The party has confirmed that six will fight for a seat on the council in Gateshead, seven will stand in Sunderland, one will contest Newcastle and another in South Tyneside.

The BNP has also announced it plans to target Tony Blair's constituency and that of former cabinet member Peter Mandelson, in Hartlepool, in this year's council elections.

Last year, there were only eight BNP members entered in the whole region. Regional organiser Kevin Scott said they were hopeful of winning a council seat.

He said: "The campaign is going well, we've been working hard since last May. I think we will get a substantial vote in Sunderland and Gateshead, and we'll cause an upset."

A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Anti-Facist Association said: "People should not be taken in by all the things the BNP say about asylum seekers because they are not the cause of all the problems in the region."

The elections will take place on Thursday, May 1. Nominations must be submitted by midday, on April 1.