SUFFOLK villagers have voiced their concern after it emerged a British National Party representative will contest an election in the county for the first time.

SUFFOLK villagers have voiced their concern after it emerged a British National Party representative will contest an election in the county for the first time.

Paul Goodchild will stand for the far-right party in a Suffolk Coastal District Council by-election being held in Yoxford on February 5.

And the move is designed to "test the water" for future forays into the county's political scene.

Phill Edwards, a spokesman for the BNP, said: "Suffolk is an area that has been unproductive for the BNP over the years.

"But this will give the Suffolk electorate an opportunity for the first time ever to have a look at what we've got to offer.

"We're testing the water in Yoxford with a view to standing in other parts of Suffolk."

The full list of contenders for the seat has not been officially revealed, but Dr Edwards confirmed the party had thrown its name into the hat.

He added there are also plans to stand in the European Parliament elections in June and also in the county's next round of local elections.

The announcement follows a secret rally held by the BNP in Rushmere St Andrew last August and is the result of an increased focus on Suffolk by the party leadership, which is fronted by Nick Griffin.

The Yoxford ward, which also includes Dunwich, Middleton, Westleton and Darsham, has been vacant since the death of Peter Wragg in October last year.

The 62-year-old Conservative councillor died after suffering from bowel cancer.

People in the area have voiced concern at the news. Jenny Kirtley of Sibton said: "It's absolutely disgraceful. It would be horrific to have anybody like that in these little villages. They think they can start infiltrating the system from places like this but I'll be extremely surprised if they have any success."

Deborah Ardizzone of High Street, Yoxford, said: "I think most people in Yoxford will be horrified. As a member of the parish council I would be very disinclined to have anything to do with him. If he was elected I would be very shocked."

David Turley, sub postmaster at Yoxford post office said: "I don't think he will have any chance whatsoever. Anyone who wants to stand for election should be allowed to do so, but I don't think the BNP stand any chance in a place like this. I have to say I'm quite amazed by it."

The full list of names standing is due to be announced on Friday.