LIFE through the lens of a Dorset delivery driver has proved a hit on social media - and Dorchester is top of the scenic snapper's list.

Wayne Richards works as a customer delivery assistant at Tesco's Poole Extra store but is also a former Dorchester resident.

As well as delivering shopping to customers across the county, Wayne is the man behind the @viewfromthevan account on Twitter, which has a total of 1,668 followers.

Wayne regularly posts photos from all across Dorset taken from his delivery van, which have proved popular via social media.

Speaking to the Echo, Wayne explained how taking photos from his delivery van first came about.

He said: "I just decided to share the views I see every day out and about delivering in stunning rural Dorset.

“My favourite area is Dorchester – I lived there in the mid 1980s and went to the old Thomas Hardye School.

“I love the town but the areas up around Cerne Abbas and Buckland Newton are fabulous too.

"I only started taking the photos just over a year ago and have been really surprised how well it has all gone to be honest.”

Among Wayne's photos are the bandstand and clock tower in Dorchester, which he calls one of his favourite places in Dorset and his 'second home' when he has a day out.

Some of his other photos feature Piddletrenthide, sunset over Buckland Newton, rolling hills over Duntish and cattle grazing with sweeping views of Dorset in the background.

The success of Wayne's Twitter account also inspired Tesco to create a YouTube video recently all about Wayne's job and where the idea for his photos came from.

In the video, Wayne says: “Taking photos for me is just a hobby. I see all this lovely countryside when I'm out delivering, and think it would be nice to get some photos of it to show people.

“My favourite spot from Poole would be Dorchester, I just love that town.”

On Twitter, Wayne is described by Tesco as 'our Postman Pat, except with a camera and a bunch of goodies'.

His Twitter account has even inspired others to tweet photos of their own daily views from their work vans.

Dorset's stunning scenery has also meant Wayne receives lots of tweets to his account praising him for his photos.

@JolqBenavides tweeted: “Wayne Richards shows us just how rewarding it is when you love your job.”

@DazyDorset tweeted: “Love your tweets from around Dorset.”

@StoneLouStone tweeted: “You're the original and best. Hope you manage an eclipse photo over Dorset.”

Wayne was also asked how he had the time to take photos during his shifts, and he tweeted: “My rule is customer first Twitter second. I never make myself late getting the shopping delivered for a photo.”

To find out more about Wayne, follow @viewfromthevan on Twitter or watch Tesco's video by visiting bit.ly/1BQP7Eu