Colin Farmer uncovered the photo from his childhood from 1953 at Woodley Manor School, which later became Woodley County Modern, and is urging anyone else who recognises themselves or anyone else they know to contact him.

His son, Mark, said: “He had his 76th birthday last Thursday so it seemed the right time. He wants to reach out and see whether any of his old school friends are still out there.

“We know it’s a bit of a long shot but he has been back to Reading a few times to see family in Tilehurst and it would be nice for him to see friends too.”

Colin grew up in Earley before leaving when he was 18 to complete an apprenticeship in stonemasonry. He now lives in Croydon but has travelled extensively for work from Portland in Dorset to Italy where he worked in a marble quarry. The photograph was taken when he was 16 – in his last year at school – with fellow pupils in Macaulay class.

Mark said: “My father can remember certain names including Graham Ward, Philip Curtis, Iver Bennett and Colin Ball, as these were his closest friends at school.”

If anyone would like to get in touch with Colin, email alangley@berksmedia.co.uk