Residents in Corsham Rally Against Racism

6.32.45pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 30th Jul 2007

Julian Mittra at the anti-BNP rally in Corsham

Hundreds of local people came together to defend the reputation of Corsham at a recent anti-racism rally. The community event was organised following the news that a BNP candidate had taken a seat on Corsham Town Council by default - without a single vote being cast.

Lib Dem Prospective MP for Chippenham, Duncan Hames, was invited to address the crowd: "I hope today makes clear to everyone that Corsham is a tolerant community and you, the residents of Corsham, have no time for the racist policies of the BNP. Let's remember that at every chance you had this May, Corsham rejected the BNP resoundingly."

Corsham Liberal Democrat campaigner Julian Mittra (pictured) says: "Corsham people are friendly and good neighbours. We don't need self-appointed vigilantes causing unease in our community."