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

The far-right party today announced Mr Griffin as its Parliamentary candidate for Labour MP Andrew Mackinlay's seat, believing the area is a burgeoning hotbed of support.

He told the Echo: "I will be standing in Thurrock because local members wanted a high-profile candidate. Thurrock is one of our very best areas. In May, one in four people voted BNP there.

"The people of Thurrock face many problems and I will be addressing these in the course of my campaign.

"Thurrock deserves someone who will speak out independently and fearlessly and I intend to do both of these things."

The announcement comes in the wake of police setting up a special unit to combat hate crimes, which have significantly risen in the Tilbury area this year.

At last year's launch in the working men's club, Mr Griffin made it clear he would not tolerate multiculturalism and "coffee-coloured races,"

Mr Mackinlay was confident the party would not be welcome in his constituency. 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.

"I make a proud unashamed declaration 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.

Mrs Smith said: "I am quite surprised the BNP leader is standing in south Essex, but, as in previous elections, do not believe they will be successful."

Despite claims of growing support the party has only ever had one councillor elected in Thurrock.

Nick Geri was elected to represent Tilbury in a by-election in 2003, but was voted off the council the following year.