A Bradford teenager with 96 convictions is among the cases highlighted as part of a TV programme about Bradford social services tonight.

The 17-year-old, called Matthew, is seen being released from a young-offender institution on to a three-months tracking system, He is helped by an Asian mentor called Omar. Matthew is a British Muslim trainee social worker who wants promotion within social services.

He tells the Channel 4 documentary Edge of the City: "I want to go as high as I can in social services because I want to make a difference. My religion teaches me to be good and caring."

The pair are seen bonding as Omar, the tracking system and night-time curfews bid to keep Matthew out of trouble.

He ends up on a pre-employment course run by the Prince's Trust and finding a girlfriend.

Omar admits they get strange looks from both the white and Asian community but he is determined their relationship will work.

When Matthew fails to turn up for an appointment he is seen touring round Bradford addresses looking for him.

Omar says: "He is not helping himself. I want to get into his thick head that he only has three months and should stick at it."

Footage showing social services officers and conferences where crucial decision are taken are also screened.

A disabled couple, a lonely 81-year-old man and two mums who claimed their daughters are being abused by older men are also highlighted.

A spokesman for the programme said Bradford was used because it was typical of what social services departments across the country are facing. She said: "It is an observational documentary. Through the stories of people struggling to cope we gain an insight into the lives of those at risk, ignored and often despised.

"These are the neighbours we don't want to see.."

l Edge of the City is shown on Channel 4 from 9pm to 10.30pm.