CORSHAM people have come out in force to show their support for an anti-BNP protest in the town on Monday and a national anti-fascist leader also plans to take part.

Kyle Thornhill, 21, who is working with residents, councillors and traders in Corsham to organise the demonstration, claims he has received threats because of his involvement.

But the threats have been rubbished by his many supporters who are helping to organise the rally, which begins at 5.30pm outside the town hall.

Christine Reid, the district councillor for Pickwick, thinks Mr Thornhill is a remarkable man.

She said: "Kyle called the meeting because he thought people in Corsham should have the opportunity to show they are against the policies of the BNP.

"We're not talking about one person here, hundreds of people in our town agree with him.

"Kyle is not the only one receiving threats. Since I have become involved I have received a nasty call from someone who disagrees with what we are doing."

Corsham resident Jennie Spikes has a mixed race family background.

She said: "I think Kyle is very brave and it is lovely to see passion and commitment in a young person.

"He needs support from the people of Corsham and he's got it. The local BNP councillor Michael Simpkins may not be a sinister man but the politics he aligns himself with are very sinister. The BNP trigger fear in me."

Katherine Banks, a district councillor for Box and Rudloe, said: "Three of the BNP candidates stood in the elections and lost resoundingly. That shows there is no sympathy for their extreme views in Corsham."

Weyman Bennett, the joint secretary of national group Unite Against Fascism, plans to make a speech at the demonstration in Corsham.

Mr Thornhill said: "Weyman Bennett called me to discuss the demonstration and he is fully behind what we are doing.

"The majority of people in Corsham do not want the BNP here and this is an opportunity for them to show their feelings."

Cllr Simpkins said: "With or without the protest I am going to treat the meeting as normal. Me and my fellow councillors want to get on with the job without distractions.

"Kyle has received threats but I believe this is because he has advertised the protest worldwide on the web and when you do that you are bound to attract nutters. He shouldn't take the threats too seriously."