The number of children and young people in the care of Bradford Council has gone up, a report has revealed.

But while it is disappointing to learn that the authority has had to intervene in so many instances, we may actually be able to take some comfort from the increase.

That is because it is a reaction, in part, to the shocking case of Baby P in Haringey, London, which caused outrage across the country.

The death of that little boy in the grimmest of circumstances showed only too well what can happen if those in authority ignore warning signs, for countless chances to intervene and save his life were missed.

In the aftermath of that case, the number of children in the care of local authorities across the country has risen, with Bradford being no different.

And that must be a sign that lessons have been learned and procedures tightened up in an effort to protect children and avoid any possibility of a similar tragedy in the future.

Another comforting fact to emerge from the report is that some of Bradford Council’s ‘looked-after’ charges have, once again, achieved remarkable things – one even qualifying as a doctor and starting work in a local hospital.

Their achievements are a credit to all those involved, but especially the young people themselves.