BNP leader Nick Griffin is to fight for the Thurrock seat at the next General Election.

The far-right party announced Mr Griffin has been selected as its Parliamentary candidate for Labour MP Andrew Mackinlay's seat when the country next goes to the polls.

The party sees the area as a burgeoning hotbed of support and Mr Griffin used Grays Working Men's Club to launch its national council elections manifesto last April.

The party polled around 10,000 votes in the borough at this year's local elections.

Emma Colgate, a previous candidate in Thurrock for the BNP and a party spokesperson, said: "I can confirm Nick Griffin has been chosen as our Parliamentary candidate for the Thurrock seat."

Mr Mackinlay's response to the news was brief and to the point.

He said: "There comes a time in everyone's life when you have to make a stand. I will not trim or bend, nor have any compromise in the face of those who peddle bigotry or intolerance.

"On the contrary, I make a proud unashamed declaration that I will do all in my power to fight racism, and xenophobia before, during and after the election."

The BNP also plans to stand a candidate against MP Angela Smith for the South Basildon and East Thurrock seat, although the contender has yet to be named.

See Gazette letters: "We stand to secure future"