The Anti-Nazi League has carried out a small and peaceful protest close to a festival organised by the British National Party. The Anti-Nazi League has carried out a small and peaceful protest close to a festival organised by the British National Party.
Lancashire police had imposed a 5km exclusion zone to stop protesters disrupting the event in a large field close to the village of Sawley, near Clitheroe.
But up to 20 ANL members protested near a car park staffed by supporters of the far-right party.
Shouting "smash the BNP" the ANL group was being monitored by a dozen police officers. One police officer was videoing the group and arrivals to the BNP festival.
A police spokesman said the small group of protesters was being allowed to demonstrate for a short time before being moved on.
One of the demonstrators, a local man and member of the ANL, said the police's attempt to stop a protest near the event was "an assault on democracy".
The man, who asked not to be named, said: "This has been billed as a family fun day by the BNP. But it is an event to incite racial hatred. These people need to be exposed."
Julie Waterson, national organiser for the ANL, said members were allowed to make their own decision as to whether to break the exclusion zone.
She said: "Individuals from the ANL have got a responsibility to themselves. Many feel they have to stand up and be counted."
BNP leader Nick Griffin says about 800 supporters are due at the festival, which had to be moved from Diggle near Oldham following protests from residents.
PA