Colin Henson's remark: "They say the youngsters of today are the citizens of tomorrow. If that's the case, God help us all" was very distasteful (October 7).

I live in Dringhouses. A group of lads, including my son, all aged between 17 and 20, all grew up together. You could not wish to meet a nicer group of people, they are all polite, friendly and a joy to know. They are all in full-time work and we have never had any problems from any of them, even when they were growing up.

Mr Henson's remark was an insult, not only to the youth, but to the good parents of these young people.

I don't know how old Mr Henson is, but I'm sure our prisons contain plenty of his age group.

I would never assume he too was a villain. So please Mr Henson, don't tar all young people with the same brush. Most are good, hardworking people, and fine law-abiding citizens.

Wendy Barker,

Leeside,

Dringhouses, York.

Updated: 09:58 Tuesday, October 14, 2003