More than just numbers

Congratulations to last year's Year 11 pupils who have achieved good GCSE results.
They deserve real credit considering 13 out of the city's 14 secondary schools were forced to close temporarily due to the floods.
The floods also had a huge effect on pupils' home lives, some of whom were forced to live in caravans and temporary accommodation.
May I also pay tribute to the efforts of teachers, support staff, governors, parents and carers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to give pupils the support they need.
As another academic year begins, the challenge is now upon them, and the new Year 11, to do even better - and we must not forget there are large improvements still to be made, particularly in the fields of English and Maths.
Other statistics released recently show that overall crime in the city has fallen by 43 per since 2004.
That's the second biggest drop of any local authority area in England.
Theft of vehicles has fallen by 64 per cent, house burglaries are down by 55 per cent, and wounding offences have fallen by 27 per cent.
Statistics can sometimes appear boring and meaningless, but behind these figures are people's lives, and the tiniest drop represents fewer people who have suffered the huge trauma of falling victim to crime.
However we are under no illusions that there is still a great deal of work to do in the fight against crime.
And the council will continue to work tirelessly alongside Humberside Police and other organisations to cut crime even further.
Finally, I would like to urge as many people as possible to line the streets on September 11 when the Tour of Britain cycle race rides through the city.
Beginning at 10.30am, the main viewing points are Alfred Gelder Street, Lowgate, Market Place, Garrison Road and Castle Street.
It's yet another big event which Hull is proud to host.
See you there.

Cllr Carl Minns
Leader, Hull City Council