The invitation to Bradford children to send letters and cards to Iraqi youngsters is one which hopefully will receive a good response. It is a sound, practical initiative from Lieutenant Colonel Phil Lewis, the Commanding Office of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment - which, ironically, is currently awaiting an announcement by the Defence Secretary on its future.

Despite the efforts of the Dukes to win the confidence and support of local people in and around Basra, where British soldiers are helping to rebuild the country's health and education infrastructure, there is so much else happening in Iraq which seems bound to cause its younger generation to mistrust the West.

There is a pressing need to take advantage of every opportunity to build bridges. The Dukes are doing what they can out there. Now is a chance for our younger generation, here at home, to play their part.

Although there are obvious major differences between the lifestyle and attitudes of children in Iraq and Bradford, there is also much that they have in common. And that does not only apply to Bradford's many Muslim youngsters, who have the common ground of their faith to share with their Iraqi counterparts. Non-Muslim youngsters also have an important part to play.

As Mary Lister, the Keighley woman who has been spearheading the campaign to save the Dukes' identity, says: "The more links with the children in Iraq the better. It brings people together."

So please get writing, Bradford children. The more you and the children of Iraq understand about each other, the better the chances of creating a more peaceful future for all of you.