A UNITY rally opposing far-right activist Tommy Robinson's visit to Bolton is being held in the town centre this afternoon.

Mr Robinson is due to appear around the Dome Park area of Breightmet, in Toronto Street, at around 3pm today.

The visit is part of his campaign trail for the upcoming European elections, when Mr Robinson will be standing as an independent candidate for the North West.

Mr Robinson recently visited Bury and Warrington and was doused in milkshake by members of the public. His team have now said they have had to hire professional security and co-ordinate with the police on a daily basis to ensure Mr Robinson’s safety.

Last night, Mr Robinson postponed a visit to the Mill Hill area of Blackburn at the last minute.

In response to his impending visit, Bolton Stand Up to Racism and Unite Against Fascism have released a joint statement.

A unity rally has also been arranged to take place in Victoria Square, between 2pm and 4pm.

The statement, which has been signed by 47 people including MPs, MEPs, councillors, and various religious representatives, reads:

"We, the undersigned, oppose the visit by the fascist 'Tommy Robinson' - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - to Bolton on 11th May.

"Robinson is standing in the European Elections for election as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the North West Region.

"We must all vote to stop him.

"We also support the protest called by Stand Up to Racism against Robinson in Bolton on 11th May.

"'Robinson' founded the fascist English Defence League, was a member of the fascist British National Party, and marched with neo-Nazis in Poland who chanted anti-Semitic slogans.

"When the fascist BNP leader Nick Griffin was elected as a North West MEP in 2009, it led to an increase in racist and fascist activity on our streets.

"The people of the North West have a proud history of opposing racism and fascism. In 2014, Nick Griffin was kicked out of his seat.

"Whether you voted leave or remain, let's all unite against this fascist.

"We support the Stand Up to Racism/Unite Against Fascism campaign against Robinson, the protest against him in Bolton, and urge everyone to use their vote to stop him at the elections."