THE Bishop of Bolton has signed a pledge urging people not to vote for the far-right British National Party in the European elections.

Bishop Chris Edmondson was among religious leaders from all denominations and faith groups to sign the Hope Not Hate coalition, organised by Searchlight, the international anti-fascism group.

The coalition is presenting a united front ahead of the European elections on June 4, in which BNP leader Nick Griffin is standing in the North West.

Mr Edmondson said: “The message is Hope Not Hate and is encouraging people to use their vote for the mainstream parties which have policies for all sections of the community.

“A lot of hard work is being done to promote community cohesion and we would be concerned by any group, such as the BNP, seeking to undermine that work.”