ON trial this week were four young boys, the youngest only 10 years old, who were found guilty of causing the heart attack death of an older man after throwing stones and sticks at him.

They got 12 months, while the man's family got a lifetime's grief.

But the thing I found most strange was there was no mention of the children's families, no mothers or fathers brought into court to answer for their part in this crime; surely they must bear some guilt, some responsibility.

But there are lots of young people with pride and self worth.

Last week I was thrilled by a theatre group from Bacup and on Friday I was privileged to meet some dedicated junior members of the YMCA who work very hard supporting others of their age group who are not so fortunate.

Then on Saturday, at the Trafalgar Day Dinner, I was introduced to the very bright, smart and keen members of the Royal Marine, Navy and Army cadets at the Somme barracks in Blackburn.

It was magical, so all that bodes well for the future.