The story of young mum Tracy Shah who is regularly hit by a barrage of abuse because of her religion is one that should disgust any right-thinking person.

Mrs Shah, of her own volition, has chosen to follow a particular creed and that decision is no-one else’s business. For her to be met with a volley of insults, especially as she walks with her small children, is a disgrace.

We should all demonstrate tolerance towards others, whatever their religion, and no matter how much we might think that religion jars with the beliefs of our own, if we follow one ourselves.

There are no differences between the people of the Bradford district so great that abuse delivered at a woman walking with her children can ever be excused. That Mrs Shah has been the subject of abuse from young teenagers on a school bus is all the more disturbing.

The school involved should take action against these youngsters and impress upon them the need for tolerance in society. And their parents must also drive home the message that hate crimes such as this are a serious matter.

Thankfully, though, the actions of these schoolchildren, as despicable as they are, are not necessarily representative of young people in Bradford today.

We also report today on the fact that hundreds of youngsters from some of the areas hit by the riots ten years ago have made great contributions towards healing their communities.

Children from Manningham, Frizinghall and Heaton have been nominated for Young Persons Citizens’ Awards and the winners will be announced this week. Young people are not all bad, but they can be easily led. Often, all they need is the right sort of direction.