A BARTENDER has said it is “a privilege” serving Sir Michael Caine behind the scenes of his new film shot in Sussex.

The Italian Job and Batman star was seen on Camber Sands in Rye ahead of his lead role in The Great Escaper as Hove veteran Bernard Jordan.

Ali Burt has been working at The Dunes Bar beachfront bar and restaurant over the past two days and was thrilled to meet the veteran film star.

She shared several photos of Michael in the restaurant with staff and enjoying a coffee outside.

Ali said: “What a privilege of working at The Dunes Bar we've been behind the scenes for two days meeting and serving the crew and course meeting Sir Michael Caine.”

The Great Escaper tells the story of Hove war veteran Bernard Jordan.

Bernard escaped from his care home in Furze Hill to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy, France, in 2014.

He became a national sensation after sparking a missing persons search when he left the care home unannounced for the commemorations.

Bernard was a long-serving councillor and former mayor.

Earlier, Michael, 89, was seen in a wheelchair on the beach at Camber and in a street decorated with bunting for filming.

He was seen sporting a flat cap and wearing medals.

In the film he will be reunited with actress Glenda Jackson, 86, as Bernard’s wife Irene, 47 years after they starred in The Romantic Englishwoman.

War hero Bernard, who made front page news across the world and received thousands of cards after escaping his care home, died in 2015 at the age of 90.

In July 2014, he was made an honorary alderman of the city in recognition of his service as a Hove borough councillor for 23 years as well as serving as mayor in 1995 to 1996.