THE National Front says it is planning to make another bid to hold a march or rally in the North-East.

The far-right party was refused permission by Home Secretary David Blunkett to march through Sunderland on Saturday, to protest about asylum seekers, because of fears of disorder.

Instead, police allowed a 15-minute rally in a city centre park that was limited to 100 activists - although more than 200 opponents of the party gathered in a counter protest.

But the rally did not take place because police arrested a bus-load of members on the outskirts of the city to prevent a breach of the peace.

The party's national activities organiser, Terry Blackham, one of those arrested, said an application would be made for a march on September 15, and if that was refused the party would ask to hold a rally.

He said: "What happened on Saturday was sheer madness. We were told we could hold the rally and were then stopped from entering the city centre.

"It was basically police entrapment."

Chief Superintendent Bob Pattison, who was in charge of Northumbria Police's operation, said: "We carried out a significant police operation which contained a situation which had the potential for serious public disorder, but which ended without any outbreaks of violence."

A total of 30 people were arrested for public order offences. Two were released on bail pending further inquiries and the remainder released without charge.

The Anti-Nazi League was involved in the counter demonstration, which was held against police advice.

A spokeswoman said the organisation would probably do the same again if the National Front assembled in Sunderland.