The BNP is to funnel tens of thousands of pounds in taxpayers' money to its chosen causes, as the far-right party attempts to boost its support in the run-up to the next election.

Nick Griffin and Andrew Brons, the party's two MEPs, will skim off part of their expenses and salaries to fund a party-controlled "community chest", they told the Daily Telegraph.

People in their European constituencies - North-West England and Yorkshire & The Humber - will then be able to apply for the money in order to fund "worthwhile" local projects, including St George's Day celebrations.