THE BNP has gained a North West seat in the European elections, which included votes from the Cheshire East Council area that covers towns including Middlewich.

The British National Party got 132,094 votes (up 1.6%) in the region, giving it one seat in the European Parliament.

BNP leader Nick Griffin will now be one of eight MEPs representing the region in Brussels.

His party gained its first two seats in the European Parliament in last night's results.

The Conservatives got three seats in the North West with 423,174 votes (up 1.5%). There was no change in their number of seats compared to the last European election.

Labour received two seats in the region with 336,831 votes (down 6.9%). It lost one seat compared to the last election.

UKIP got one North West seat with 261,740 votes (up 3.7%). There was no change in its number of seats compared to the last European election.

The Lib-Dems also received one seat with 235,639 votes (down 1.6%). There was no change in their number of seats compared to the last European election.

The Green Party came sixth with 127,133 votes (up 2.1%), but failed to win a seat – as did the other parties in the North West.

The percentage turnout for the local counting area for Cheshire East Borough Council was 33.40%.

The BNP had campaigned in the area in the run-up to the European election polls on June 4.

At the time Mr Griffin told the Guardian that members planned to target the town and other places in the area.

Following the story, Rev Ian Bishop, of St Michael and All Angels Church, said he was worried that BNP policies 'promote division, fear and hatred'.