Chemicals, coal, chocolate and beer all feature in a new DVD that shows how people in Bristol earned their living.

Produced by Yate local history experts 1st Take, the film is based on a best-selling book by local historian John Penny.

Previously unseen archive footage has been used in Bristol At Work, along with advertisements, photos and interviews with workers.

They tell the story of how the city and surrounding area employed thousands in industries ranging from shipbuilding, quarrying and the manufacture of soap to printing and packaging, brewing and engineering.

There is a special feature on Pountney's pottery, the Fishponds and Bedminster Brick and Tile Company and a look at the industrial boot market and manufacturers of high-class footwear.

There is also footage from a film made by Kleeneze in 1935, shortly after its move from Whitehall to Hanham, showing brushes being made in its factory and a door-to-door salesman demonstrating products to a customer.

Dockers such as 89-year-old Tom "Bones" Davis are interviewed, along with former docks manager Peter Jones, while Graham Masters talks of his time with tobacco company WD and HO Wills.

George's brewery, chocolate makers JS Fry and Son, Butler's Tar Works and a personal account of life with engineering firm Masson Scott Thrissel by former employee Eric Brain are also featured.

Dave Rogers, of 1st Take, said: "We take a look at Avonside Engineering and Peckett's – companies which produced locomotives for a worldwide market – and also feature Bristol Cars, whose elite status is maintained today.

"We include a rare piece of film, showing a Bristol car being loaded onto a Bristol Freighter, employed as a 'silver City Car Ferry' in the early post-war years."

The DVD also highlights Christopher Thomas's Soap Works, where the substance was first produced in the 12th century to wash sheep for the thriving wool trade rather than keeping people clean.

Some of the new film was shot on board one of the Bristol Ferry Boat Company's vessels to highlight how many goods that were produced used to be moved by water.

The DVD is on sale at £14.95 at outlets in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.