AN ELDERLY man hoping to connect with former workmates was beginning to wonder whether a single soul recalled who he was.

He spent ten years on Facebook which, with a global community of more than two billion people, has been used by millions to find old friends and old flames

But it didn’t seem to be working for Cecil Charles Harding.

The 89-year-old former Brighton resident had almost given up hope.

But now, thanks to a widely used Brighton Facebook group, he has discovered he is, indeed, remembered.

Last month Mr Harding, who now lives in Cadiz in Kentucky, USA, posted an old photograph of himself to Facebook in the user group Brighton People.

He wrote: “I have been on Facebook now for ten years, and I haven’t found anybody who remembers me, good or bad.

“I am 89. Perhaps with this group I might be lucky.

“This photo is 60 years old.”

The Brighton People facebook group has more than 25,000 members and its online community sprang into action.

More than 100 users reacted to the photo with dozens sharing the photograph with other groups and others sending warm wishes.

Sydney November replied: “Good luck with your search Cecil! I hope you find some old friends x”

And James Greene joined in to say: “You were a bit of a blade back in the day, mate. Nice shot.”

Eventually after several days passed, a John Harris joined the conversation.

He said: “Hi Cecil, I remember you from Gross cash register.

“I was working in the tool room between 1971 and 1974 – you handed out the jobs as they came along.

“Remember Geoff Lindfield?

“He went to Australia while I went to Canada.

“Hope all is well with you, Take care”

In a triumph for Facebook and the internet age, Cecil has now seen the post and replied.

He wrote: “Hi John, they were good times, nice to work for, good social club, and Gross’s always kept up with the times, even with electronics.”

In his youth Cecil worked for Chubb Electronic Security and went to school at Brighton Technical College.

If any old friends wish to get in touch, Cecil’s Facebook profile address is facebook.com/charliesplayhouse.cadiz