A TOP Wirral hotel says it was “tricked” into hosting an event for far-right activists.

Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa said bosses did not know leading members of the BNP and the French National Front party were among those attending a conference there on Tuesday.

They said that by the time the guests’ identities were revealed it was too late to cancel the booking.

The hotel’s comments come after anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate campaigned against the event via Facebook, while some took to Twitter to vent their anger.

Chester and Cheshire West Labour councillor Ben Powell tweeted: “Saddened that Nick Griffin and his fascist pals from across Europe are gathered at Thornton Hall Hotel on the Wirral.”

However a hotel spokeswoman said staff did not know the booking, which was made on behalf of the European Social Political and Economic Research Establishment, would involve members of the BNP and fascist parties.

The spokeswoman said: “The conference facilities at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa are widely used by a vast range of organisations including political parties and Members of the European Parliament.

"On this occasion, we received a booking on behalf of the European Social Political and Economic Research Establishment.

“The identities of the delegates were not revealed to us until the guests arrived on the day, at which stage we were bound by a contractual arrangement. 

“We have a strong duty of care to our guests, staff and the local community and we ensured that the event caused no disruption.

“Thornton Hall Hotel would never knowingly allow an event of this nature to take place and we regret any offence or distress caused or taken by the presence of this conference.”