I AM writing to express my thanks to all those young people who took part in the recent "Young and Equal" event at the Met Theatre.

The issues arising from the Stephen Lawrence inquiry are timely and have a bearing upon us all as we seek to tackle racism in the future. I am particularly pleased that in this endeavour, as in so many others, Bury has proved to be consistently ahead of the game and has adopted the Commission for Racial Equality's "Young and Equal" standard.

I asked the young people taking part to be totally frank with us about the issues relating to different heritage groups and particularly their concerns as young people so that Bury can improve on services in the future. They were, as I fully expected, incredibly honest and were keen to share their ideas with us in a variety of ways.

As the citizens of tomorrow, it was good to see young people joining with us in "setting the agenda" for Bury, and to see their commitment and enthusiasm for this important event. All who participated were a credit to their families and to their schools.

COUNCILLOR ANDREA HUGHES,

education and community

services committee.

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