The Real Young London

As Britain shivered in the Cold War, London's teenagers negotiated the tricky terrain of moving from childhood to adulthood.

A BBC television broadcast from 5 August 1958 set out to reveal the lives of five young Londoners, from an upper-class debutante to the Teddy Boys who wandered the bomb sites of the capital, frightening passers-by with their strange dress sense.

There are many parallels with modern-day London to be found.

Narrated by Denis Mitchell, On the Threshold is both comical and poignant in its depiction of youth. One father describes his son as a "trapped animal" roaming the capital, while one boy declares he has no future. The clip shows 15-year-old Diane describing her life and ambitions, while bemoaning her lack of friends.

But it was not all doom and gloom. Photos from the time show boys sailing boats in Victoria Park, children attending a Christmas party and girls modelling Pierre Cardin.

No matter the obstacles, London's youth have proven resilient, adaptable and determined to make their mark.