UKIP leader Gerard Batten is to visit Little Lever next week.

Mr Batten, who was one of the founders of UKIP, will be speaking at Hardy Hall in Church Street on Thursday, February 7.

He was invited by Jeff Armstrong, who stood as a UKIP candidate for Bolton South East in the 2017 general election.

Mr Armstrong said: “I’ve been trying to get him up here for months so I’m delighted he has accepted.

“He will be talking about Brexit and UKIP in general.”

Mr Armstrong said it will be an open meeting and non-UKIP supporters are welcome to attend.

“I’m hoping people will understand his views more but people can give their own opinions - he can take it on the chin.”

Mr Batten is also expected to speak about his controversial decision to appoint Tommy Robinson as an adviser.

Mr Robinson was the founder and former leader of the English Defence League.

Little Lever has two UKIP councillors, Sean Hornby and Rees Gibbon, and they may also be speaking at the meeting, which is due to start at 7pm.

Mr Armstrong said that more than 100 people are expected to attend, including representatives of the Football Lads Alliance, a self-proclaimed ‘anti-extremist’ movement.

While not anticipating trouble, he added that security will be in place.