A NEW documentary pays tribute to the life and work of a man who has been dubbed an "inspiration".

'Patrick Wray - The man behind the smile' tells the tale of the much-loved customer service assistant who works at Tesco, in Great Notley.

It includes stories from his life as a youngster, his time at the Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair from the age of 15 and, of course, his time at Tesco.

Made by DT Productions - which was founded by Donna Taylor and Robin Plummer - it is the first in a new series called Inspiring People.

Mr Wray, 61, who has also worked at George Yard and Freeport, in Braintree, said he was surprised to be approached to make the film.

He said: "I was gobsmacked. Robin had come in to get some photos done and he came over and shook my hand.

"He said he'd been watching what I'd been doing and how I was with the customers and told me what they'd like to do.

"The reaction to it has just been incredible. I went back to work for the first time today and people have just been amazing.

"In the video I talk about working at The Dorchester and working at Tesco is a bit like that really - the customers are the guests.

"The only difference is I don't open car doors and I don't have a hat.

"What I think they're trying to do now is get in touch with Tesco because there's been talk of using me in a commercial."

Ms Taylor said it had been a pleasure to get to know Mr Wray as they made the film over the course of a few days.

She said: "You see lots of negatives in the press and online so hopefully this is something which will make people smile.

"Patrick's special because he meets you at the door and he'll pay you compliments, he'll give you a hug and he'll give you a hand walking you to your car."

Ms Taylor, who also teaches drama at Notley High School, said: "So many children will go along to Tesco with their parents just because they get to see Patrick.

"He's touched so many lives and he's such an inspiration, so we just thought it was about time these people who ordinarily don't get much recognition get some sort of thanks."

The documentary was posted on YouTube on January 11 and so far has seen more than 3,000 views.

Patrick has worked at Tesco in Great Notley for almost five years and can be met on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am until 1pm.

Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7ZRHDKkhKM&feature=youtu.be