FORTY years ago these 'perky little lads' were looking forward to a new future, as Salford embarked on a massive slum clearance.

Where are they now?  And how bright did their futures turn out to be?

This iconic picture was taken in April 1967, on a street in Ordsall that was soon to be bulldozed.

The caption in the Manchester Evening News of the day read: “Though present surroundings may be drab and dismal, the future is green and happy.”

Salford Corporation was clearing the Coronation Street terraces and building modern new estates.

But many of the new homes did not live up to expectations.

Families who had had the same neighbours for decades were separated, and there was a general feeling of loss of community.

Now, 41 years later, the hunt is on to find these lads and see how they fared.

Their picture graces the front page of Salford Past, a new nostalgia title published by the MEN.

If you recognise the lads – or if indeed you are one of them – please contact the Salford Advertiser newsdesk on 0161 789 5015.

Salford Past is a picture history of a city at the heart of the industrial revolution.

It recalls the days of clog shops and outside toilets, horse-drawn ice cream vans, cargoes still being unloaded at the Docks, and lessons for schoolgirls who were to be the “housewives of tomorrow”.

To order your copy, priced £15.60 including postage and packing, call our hotline on 0800 9888003.