The Lancashire Telegraph reports on the posting of offensive remarks about Islam and Muslims on Facebook by a BNP candidate standing for a seat in the council elections in Blackburn and Darwen.

"Nancy Shaw-Farmer, who is bidding to become a councillor in Roe Lee in Blackburn, has been described as ‘an absolute disgrace...living in the dark ages’ whose remarks ‘were bad, even by BNP standards’.

“The 45-year-old former Clitheroe Grammar School pupil defended her comments, insisting people who found them offensive ‘didn’t have a sense of humour’ and refused to apologise.

“But the BNP said it took the matter ‘very seriously’ and was investigating her remarks.

“Posts by Ms Shaw-Farmer, who works as an Avon Sales leader and lives in Bastwell, on the social networking site included:

• 4 P***s in a car near where I work asked for directions to a junior school. Sent them in the wrong direction.

• the current government don’t want cannabis legalised as it would put too many P***s out of work. ha ha ha.

• Bungee jumping! £25 per person. Muslims and P***s free. No strings attached and free transport. ha ha ha.

• When Pakistan had its floods I said if I was out of England for whatever reason, I’d get back there pronto to help my country, no f****** P***s went back to help did they!

“Salim Mulla, chair of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said the comments left him furious.

“He said: “It makes me very, very angry that there are people of this nature who want to spread their hatred within the community.

"I think people like this shouldn't be even allowed to stand for any party, whether it is the BNP or another.

“I think they are a bunch of troublemakers and hooligans who want to cause friction in the community.

“I would appeal to all members of the community not to support them and not to work with them.”

“Ms Shaw-Farmer, is pictured on Facebook with BNP leader and North West MEP Nick Griffin, who she describes as her ‘hero’.

“She said Islam was ‘evil’ but insisted: “I am not an extremist, anyone who knows me would say I have a lot of Muslim friends.

“I really don’t mind the people that are here that have integrated in our society. "I can’t stand the violent extremists who burn our poppies and have no respect for our country.”

Asked whether Asian people would find her remarks offensive, she said: “If they have not got a sense of humour, then possibly.”

She added: “I am not apologising for anything on my personal page,” and later insisted: “My views are not necessarily those of the party.”