THE BNP is fighting the Stafford parliamentary constituency for the first time.

Businessman Roland Hynd will fight the key marginal at this year's General Election.

The 51-year-old is standing after polling 12 per cent of the vote in a Staffordshire County Council seat last June.

Mr Hynd came third in the Stafford North ward with 493 votes, as Conservative Raymond Barron won the seat with 1,592 votes from Labour's Robert Simpson who polled 1,461 votes.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's BNP group leader Councillor Michael Coleman said: "We got 12 per cent from a very minimal campaign in Stafford last year. That was our first time out so it gave us an indication there was untapped support.

"This is one more rung on the ladder and the response we are getting back already is substantial."

Mr Hynd, who lives in Stafford and runs an internet-based shop selling models, told The Sentinel: "I think it is about time Stafford had an alternative to the existing parties.

"From the amount of support we got at county council elections, I think we will do very well."

He added: "The economy is the biggest issue around here and in Stoke-on-Trent.

"People are very worried about the economy and that spills over into jobs and employment.

"There is no quick answer, but we need to get the banks sorted – they take all our money and don't give anything back and I think a lot of people are fed up of the big bonuses.

"We will also be campaigning on immigration and want to sort the illegal immigrants situation. That will relieve the pressure on jobs and, to a degree, housing."

Details of Mr Hynd's selection comes as the BNP has lined up a candidate to fight the Newcastle seat.

Mr Coleman added: "Newcastle is another one of the major areas we want to get into so we will be standing there.

"We're confident of a candidate for Newcastle, but at the moment I can't say anymore."

The BNP has already selected its three candidates to stand in Stoke-on-Trent's parliamentary constituencies.

But BNP deputy leader Simon Darby will now definitely come face-to-face with Alby Walker after the city councillor confirmed he is standing as an Independent in Stoke-on-Trent Central.

Mr Walker quit as the BNP's Stoke-on-Trent leader earlier this year after becoming disillusioned with party politics.

Mr Walker's campaign is being funded by an un-named benefactor after his £500 deposit was paid by two elderly constituents.

He said: "I have applied for the election pack which I expect to receive once the election date is announced.

"I am standing but can always do with extra funding for leaflets and posters."