MICHAEL Jackson, David Beckham and Britney Spears are just some of the stars to have put their trust in bodyguard Ray Hunt during his star-studded career to date.

Since getting into the industry in 1999, the 55-year-old Orford resident has been primed with the task of keeping celebrities safe amid the chaos caused by crazed fans and paparazzi.

He has protected Spears at Nice Airport ahead of the World Music Awards in 1999, Jackson in Monte Carlo the same year, sister Janet, Pele, Beckham, Amir Khan, 50 Cent, Will Smith, Simon Cowell and Pierce Brosnan, just to name a few.

But away from the glitz and glamour Ray insists his focus remains firmly on keeping his clients safe, regardless of the surroundings.

However, had it not been for a road traffic accident his career path could have taken a very different turn.

"I was watching a programme about bodyguards after the accident and then wanted to put the money I got from the compensation towards a training course," he said.

"It is all about travelling with the person and just making sure they are as safe as possible.

"I have had to deal with crazed fans and paparazzi, who will do anything to get close, but it is just about adapting to the situation quickly – that is my duty and the job I am paid to do."

He admits it is tough to pick a particular highlight, but some memories, both good and bad, will always stick with him.

"The best people I have worked with are Will Smith and Michael Jackson, they are just really nice people and treated security very well," he added.

"Simon Cowell is great too and personally thanked me once which was nice to hear.

"It was when he was working on Britain's Got Talent in Birmingham and a fan, who got an autograph, tried to grab his hair - some fans are just crazy and want a piece of the celebrities.

"But I resolved the situation without making a fuss as that is what I was there to do."

Ray now works as part of the security team at Halton Magistrates' Court and is also on the doors at town centre venue The Feathers.

But he continues to treat each shift just how he always has done since beginning his career and hinted at a return to jobs in the future alongside those taking the red carpets across the globe by storm.

"You want to make it as safe as possible for people wherever you are," he added.

"It is great to travel the world and I look forward to doing that part again but it is not all glamorous – one of the worst parts of the job is standing outside of a hotel room for hours on end."