The British National Party has strengthened its position in English local government after becoming the second biggest party in Burnley.

The party secured seven seats on Burnley council - knocking out Labour's deputy leader in the process.

After a large protest vote, the BNP now holds eight seats on the council.

The far-right party also secured seats in Broxbourne, Stoke on Trent and Calderdale.

But it failed to make any breakthrough in Sunderland despite fielding a record 25 candidates.

Party leader Nick Griffin also failed to secure election after fighting a hard campaign in Oldham.

Sunderland MP Chris Mullin said he was relieved that the party's message had been rejected in his own area.

"No one can afford to be complacent about the BNP but they have not done as well as I feared they might do," he said.

"I'm delighted that the people of Sunderland have decided they do not want to be represented by fascists."