A former British National Party election candidate and a dentist have been cleared of conspiracy to cause explosions.

Ex-BNP member Robert Cottage, 49, and David Jackson, 62, were alleged to have stockpiled chemicals they bought on the internet and discussed using them to cause dangerous explosions.

The jury at Manchester Crown Court had been deliberating since yesterday morning.

But today they were discharged after failing to reach a verdict on a charge of conspiracy to causing explosions with intent to endanger life.

The judge then ordered that Cottage, of Talbot Street, Colne, and Mr Jackson, of Trent Street, Nelson, be found not guilty of the charge.

It was the second time a jury had failed to reach a verdict following a previous trial.

Cottage had admitted possessing explosives for unlawful purpose at the first trial.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 31.

Boxes containing 21 different kinds of chemicals were found by police at Cottage's home last September.

Officers were alerted to the stash by Cottage's wife, Kerena, 29.

Cottage told Manchester Crown Court he feared immigrants were swamping Britain bringing it to the brink of civil war.