Sir Herman Ouseley has said Bradford's youth will inspire him to achieve more for young people in his new role as a House of Lords peer.

The new peer, head of a race review investigation in Brad-ford, was one of 15 people announced yesterday as the latest members of the Lords.

He said his work in Bradford had inspired him to make his main task in the new role one of harnessing the potential of young people.

Sir Herman said: "What has inspired me in Bradford is the young people.

"If we take an interest in our young people and get them motivated then Bradford has a great future, and this is true for the whole country.

"I would like to get more young people from all backgrounds in politics and positions of leadership."

Sir Herman was chosen from more than 3,000 applicants recommended by the House of Lords Appointments Commission to the Prime Minister and Tony Blair.

The Commission, an independent body, was set up last May to make suggestions on the appointments of people outside the world of politics.

Sir Herman said: "It is a great honour, some very good people have been chosen.

"The fact I am there in an independent capacity is good as well.

"I don't want to pre-empt anything but I hope to represent people from all backgrounds.

"I would like to think that whatever little contribution I can make will help."

Other appointments include Victor Adebowale who is chief executive of Centre Point, the country's leading youth social exclusion charity, and Richard Best, director of a leading charitable organisation, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The chairman of the House of Lords commission, Lord Dennis Stevenson, said: "We are delighted with the high quality of the nominations we received and this called for rigorous assessment against our criteria.