Lancashire Ghostbusters superfan lands role in latest film

When it comes to Ghostbusters fans, they don't get much bigger than Simon Gray from Lancashire.

The 43-year-old Preston man has been a lover of the franchise all his life and has even set up his own Ghostbusters group where he lives.

Mr Gray has been collecting toys and merchandise since he was a child and builds replica props.

He has met many of the cast and has even starred alongside them in the latest film, which is in cinemas now.

Simon Gray's collection of props includes a life-size replica of Slimer

"I was invited by Sony on set where I took part in two days filming," he said.

"I was one of only six fans involved and got to shoot scenes with all the original cast as well as the new stars of the film.

"As a fan, this was a dream come true, standing shoulder to shoulder with Hollywood stars and original cast members Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts."

Simon Gray starred in the latest Ghostbusters film, which is in cinemas now

Mr Gray said he had been collecting for more than 30 years, with the toys getting bigger as he got older.

"I must have been nine and my mum and Dad took me to the cinema to watch Ghostbusters Two," he said.

"Honestly, it's grown from there so I collected the toys as a child and then as I've got older and older, the toys got bigger and bigger.

"This is a fraction of what I've collected, acquired, built over the years."

Simon Gray's collection includes a life-size replica Slimer

Mr Gray said his children, Oliver and Oscar, love his collection, while his "very understanding wife" Caroline is willing to live among his collection of props, which includes a life-size replica Slimer, and takes over half of the house.

"I knew he was into it when I first met him, so I can't be critical," Mrs Gray said.

"To be honest, it's amazing to have such an interest.

"It's what Simon's always done, all his life."

Simon Gray has been collecting toys and merchandise since he was a child and builds replica props

His dedication to the franchise has resulted in an on-screen appearance as an extra in the latest film Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

"Little Simon used to wake up every morning and make a proton pack out of cardboard boxes and milk containers," he said.

"To think that I would one day be in the actual film with the original cast, little Simon would not have believed it."