THE British National Party is preparing for a coordinated attack on Vale Royal in the May elections.

The BNP has candidates in place to fight for seats in Northwich and Winsford during the elections for a new shadow authority.

BNP election organiser Dave Murphy said: "For the first time we are able to have a co-ordinated campaign across the whole area.

"We have got candidates in place for Northwich and Winsford so we feel this time around we are in a very strong position."

The May elections will appoint councillors to a new shadow authority which will eventually replace the borough and county councils.

Mr Murphy believes many voters feel the time is right for a shift in the political landscape.

He said: "We have two candidates for Northwich and two for Winsford and we are very confident. We have never had this before and it just shows how much stronger we are becoming."

One of the candidates for Winsford north is Malcolm McGlynn.

Mr McGlynn, 47 and a father of five, is hoping people will begin to see the BNP in a different light.

He said: "The BNP is nothing like how it used to be.

"A long time ago it was all skinheads and boots but that just isn't the case anymore.

"I am not a racist. I am a nationalist and I am all about politics. The support I have had so far from people in Winsford has been incredible. The problem is that they don't tend to come forward openly because of what people may think of them. But the BNP is not what some people think it is and I am quite prepared to stand and be counted."