Inspirational Zack who's defied all the the odds has become firm favourite at Asda Paignton

Our inspirational colleague Zack Chaffe has defied the odds all his life – overcoming multiple operations, learning disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, hip disease, epilepsy and scoliosis to become an integral part of the team at our Paignton store, where his wonderful smile and positive attitude have made him a firm favourite with everyone.

Customers regularly contact the store to say how much they appreciate Zack's service, with a post about Zack on Facebook inspiring even more people to say nice things about him.

Checkouts colleague Zack, who's 28 and has worked at the store for nine years, said: "I've got all these conditions, but I never let them get to me.

"I'm a people person and I like to be polite and make sure that everyone is alright. I like to have a nice chat with the customers about all sorts of things like the weather.

"It's nice to get a positive feedback from customers and it's nice to know that you are doing your job properly and it does boost your spirits. I'm happy to help, that's my job. I always try to do my best."

A customer recently posted on the Spotted in Paignton Facebook group to say: "I went into the store in a not very good mood and I didn't really want to be out shopping.

"On the self service checkout was a lovely gentleman called Zack who was so happy, cheerful and very helpful that I walked out of there in a better frame of mind and feeling generally lifted in spirits. It takes a special person to be able to do that kind of thing and Zack has that ability."

The post received more than 800 likes and dozens of comments praising Zack, including:

"Zack is an amazing young man who’s faced so much adversity. Despite the struggles he faces every day due to his disability, he never lets any of it get the better of him. He always looks on the bright side of life and he always puts the customer first"

"Well done Zack for making people's day a happy one wish there more people in the world like you. Your family must be very proud of you"

"What a guy Zack is, he’s a legend"

"Well done Zack you certainly keep us all entertained"

Zack's mum Claire Bentley says she's so proud of Zack, and really grateful to Asda for giving him an opportunity.

She said: "When he first got the job, through South Devon College, I was so proud of him and I've been as proud everyday. Me and his stepdad Simon tell him every time we see him. When I saw comments like that on Facebook I just thought it was wonderful.

"Zack has a lot of issues but he still works and he wants to work. He has had multiple operations, but he just gets on with it. He is amazing, so inspirational. He's very likeable and very loveable.

"If ever I meet someone with small children with difficulties I say don't ever give up, just look at my Zack. He lives on his own and he works; he's almost completely independent.

"We'd like to say a big thank you to Asda for employing Zack and taking a chance on him. To do that for him was amazing and he absolutely loves his job and that is down to Asda and the team there. And they are very supportive of him.

"I think every company should take on people with some form of disability as just because they are disabled it doesn't mean they are incapable of doing things. Some times it may take them a bit longer to catch on to things but everyone deserves to have a job."

Store manager James Leeper, who has nominated Zack for an Asda service superstar award for his fantastic work, said: "Zack's such a loveable character and has always got something to chat about.

"He never lets anything stop him giving great customer service and his willingness to put things right, whether that's fixing it himself or finding a colleague that can help him, ensures that customers leave the store happier than when they arrived.

"His whole attitude and demeanour means he really is a credit to the store."