Sir – Bradford is a great place to live. It is the biggest city in England with the majority of its buildings in sandstone instead of red brick.

It is surrounded for the most part by moorland and hills which can be seen from the very heart of the city. It has one of the cheapest housing stocks in the country but which nevertheless have a high quality.

Look around and above you at the gorgeously-decorated houses and public buildings, particularly those in the city centre but also those in Little Germany, Manningham and around All Saints in Little Horton. Admire the old terraces off Great Horton Road and appreciate all the old-world cottages of Wibsey, Fagley and Heaton.

I came to this city from London in 1974 and haven’t regretted it.

Bradford is a surprising place. There are numerous societies and organisations that care for people here and in many parts of the world. OK, Bradford was the richest city in Europe in 1909, but for the majority of its citizens now there is better health and life expectancy than 104 years ago, and we continue to have the variety of people and newcomers that keep the place alive.

David Somerville, Silk Warehouse, Lilycroft Road, Bradford