THE British National Party has announced it will field a candidate for the upcoming council by-election in Wanstead.

It is believed to be the first time the BNP have put forward a nominee for the ward.

John Evans, a former RAF veteran and retired accountant, is expected to be the nominee, although his candidacy has yet to be finalised.

No definite date has been set for the by-election, but the borough's political parties have been told it will probably be held on Thursday April 23.

Also standing are the Conservative Party, the Green Party, the Labour Party and the Liberal Demcorats.

The by-election comes after the death of Cllr Allan Burgess last month, who held the seat for nearly two decades.