It is both gratifying and encouraging that Lord Herman Ouseley, former chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, has agreed to become the first patron of Bradford the Musical, which aims to bridge cultural barriers through a series of major musical projects.

It was Lord Ouseley who, in the Bradford Race Review in 2001, recommended more support for "the many excellent and positive initiatives" run by community and youth organisations to improve the opportunities for the district's different communities to come together.

Sadly, the Bradford riots - which coincidentally occurred shortly before Lord Ouseley's report was published -and the terrorist attacks of 9/11 that year have caused a polarisation, with the different communities withdrawing within themselves rather than reaching out. A lot of work has been going on to reverse that effect, with some success.

There are high hopes that Bradford the Musical will do a lot, both symbolically and practically, to boost the understanding and spirit of co-operation between the various communities which make up this city of ours. It's predicted, for instance, that the first concert to be presented in Centenary Square in June and repeated at the Mela the following day will feature 300 singers, dancers and drummers from the white, Asian and African/African-Caribbean communities.

This is the sort of breaking down of barriers that is needed, an example of how people can be drawn together by a shared interest in music and performing. Lord Ouseley clearly agrees, saying he believes it will make a real difference to future cultural relations in the district. It is good to welcome him on board.