HEREFORDSHIRE has gained Britian's only extreme right councillor - without a single vote being cast.

John Bernard Haycock (pictured inset) had planned to represent the controversial British National Party - well known for their nationalistic anti-immigration and anti-European views - at the parish elections on May 4.

But as only 16 candidates put their names down to contest the 18 seats in the Bromyard and Winslow ward, the ex-soldier is certain to win a place.

Describing himself as a 'working class, right-wing conservative', Mr Haycock told The Hereford Times that he was looking forward to the challenge of local politics.

"Parish councils do not have a lot of influence but I'm going to do my best for the people of Bromyard," he said.

The 60-year-old, who has lived in Bromyard for 30 years, went on: "The BNP is the only party to support the British people. The main parties are just trying to destroy the country.

"Europe was a big factor in my joining the party, as was immigration - there seems to be an open door policy to people from the whole world and it's gone beyond a joke.

"They are building a new estate in Bromyard and there's a rumour that the houses will be used as an overspill for immigrants - that's too much."

His fellow councillors have given Mr Haycock a guarded welcome to the Herefordshire political scene.

Independent Bernard Hunt said: "Providing Mr Haycock throws himself wholeheartedly into local politics, I am sure there will be no dissent with his council membership.

"But he should know that there's no room for extreme politics in Bromyard."

Mayor Bill Gibbard is disappointed that Bromyard residents will not get a chance to make their own minds up about Mr Haycock's immoderate views.

"I just wish there had been an election," he commented.

"I am not on the council as a political animal and I am disappointed that other people have stood on a political platform. But if national politics are kept out of it then he will be welcomed."

Mr Haycock stood for the BNP locally in 1997 gaining a three-figure vote - and according to Mr Gibbard that low turnout 'probably reflects the level of support for his views in Bromyard'.

BNP national chairman, Nick Griffin, who met up with Mr Haycock this week, said: ''John's success makes it much easier to point out to our people in other parts of the country that, if you look for these seats, you can get elected.''