The Government minister investigating why rioting broke out in Bradford proclaimed there was "hope for the city" but said its young people needed leadership.

John Denham, Home Office minister reviewing the factors surrounding the disorder, met councillors, community leaders and police officers yesterday as part of an urgent review of all issues that may have contributed to the trouble more than a fortnight ago.

Mr Denham also met leading figures of Bradford Vision, the organisation which aims to drive the city forward.

The minister, who has been asked by Home Secretary David Blunkett to conduct the review, said everyone had to work together and look to a brighter future.

He said: "Myself and other ministers have been appointed to see how the Government can respond to these problems in Bradford and other problem areas like Oldham. The community of Bradford really needs to try to tackle these areas together."

Mr Denham also expressed his thanks and praise for the police officers who put their lives at risk at the height of the disturbances.

"The police handled the circumstances well," he said. "It was necessary to bring in extra police. And these people need congratulating and thanking for what they did.

"I have also spoken to youth workers, Council members and members of Bradford Vision. There is a common determination to tackle the problems in Bradford and those raised in Lord Ouseley's report. I want to pull everyone together."

And the man who is responsible for crime reduction, policing and community safety feels that youngsters in the city have a major part to play in improving the city's prospects.

He said: "There needs to be a way to find ways to develop a leadership and voice for young people across communities in Bradford.

"This is high on everyone's list so that young people don't feel alienated and so that they have a voice. And it is not just the Asian community we are talking about. White people are involved here.

"Youth community groups are training up youngsters as youth leaders in the area and we as a Government need to look at the issue in different ways to involve youngsters in things that affect them.

"From next year citizenship will be included on the National Curriculum. This will involve how to have a voice in society and how to be involved in the democratic process."

And Mr Denham was keen to stress that Bradford can look forward to the future with hope. "I don't think that people have reached the point of no return in the city," he said. "Hundreds of millions of pounds are involved in education, crime and unemployment and things are going in the right direction."

Bradford Council leader Margaret Eaton said the visit showed the Government was willing to ensure further troubles would be prevented.

"It is always helpful to have the voice of a minister," said Coun Eaton.