SIR - Bradford is the youngest city in Europe. Birmingham claims to be the youngest city in Europe but that is based on the fraction of their population under 25. If you look at the city with the highest fraction of under 16-year-olds, it is Bradford.

Being the youngest city in Europe is not an indication of failing health of the elderly, it is a vote of confidence in our city by its young parents having babies. It gives the city a great future full of opportunity and we should look after these young people.

We need to believe in our young people and support them giving them a good start in life. This is the objective of the Manifesto for Youth launched by the Bradford and Shipley Trades Union Council. Look it up at manifestoforyouth.org.uk and become a sponsor.

John Baruch, Clayton Lane, Clayton