It is unfortunate that on the day Bradford’s Young Citizens Awards are launched our front page news is about the increasing number of break-ins blighting the district’s schools.

But just as it would be wrong to try and brush rising criminal behaviour like this under the carpet, it is vital that the bad apples who are a scourge on our society are not allowed to tarnish the incredible amount of positive work done by many young people.

Every year, we see scores of stories of bravery, of overcoming the odds, helping others and having a positive impact on our society from these awards.

The district has many examples of young people who excel in different ways and the Young Citizens Awards allow us all to celebrate that.

And we all must remember these youngsters are the majority, and that, on the whole, the younger generation is a force for good and will make a positive difference.

Unfortunately, the criminal and yobbish behaviour of the minority is all too often there to be seen and they often make the headlines nationally and locally.

It is probably too much to hope that they will look upon the achievements of those nominated for awards and be inspired.

They have often come from the same deprived backgrounds, so that in itself cannot be used as a justification for wrong-doing.

The difference seems to be those who are responsible for the theft and vandalism in our schools simply want to take and destroy.

The youngsters who will be lining up for the Young Citizens Award are proud to be part of the community and want to have a positive influence on it.

Their stories will be inspiring, moving and triumphant, sometimes sad but mostly hopeful.