Teenagers were today telling Council chiefs they believe graffiti can help Bradford to win its City of Culture bid.

More than 300 young people have signed a petition asking for an official graffiti wall where they can express themselves through art.

They believe it can tip the scales in favour of Bradford and help it to become European City of Culture in 2008.

The young graffiti artists, who are nicknamed "taggers" in towns and cities where the art-form is popular, were due to present a 350-name petition to appeal for a wall at today's Council meeting.

Ruth Ozolins, 19, who helped organise the petition, said: "We are not talking about negative graffiti. We're talking about graffiti art.

"A lot of people like to do real art because it looks good, but they are chased off because it is illegal."

Ruth, of Idle, who will start a B-Tech Foundation course in arts in Septem-ber, said: "Most of the taggers are studying art or about to start college.

"Graffiti art is not my skill but a lot of people are really good at it.

"A graffiti wall would be big, bright, colourful and attractive and I think it would help the city to win the City of Culture bid."

Today City of Culture director Paul Brooke said: "I think it is a very interesting proposal and hope it can be looked at. But the location of any graffiti wall would be very important."

Ruth's mother, Councillor Ann Ozolins (Lib Dem, Idle), said: "This is their own idea. It is nothing to do with me. But I think it is inspired and we should listen to our young people."

Deputy leader of the Labour group Councillor Barry Thorne said: "I have seen some marvellous graffiti art in Europe and think it would boost Bradford."

Executive member for the environment Councillor Anne Hawkesworth said: "The petition will be sent to the appropriate scrutiny committee to consider.

"But I think it has the wrong name. It shouldn't be called graffiti."