It was a double 30th anniversary celebration at McDonald's in North End last Saturday.

The fast-food chain restaurant opened in North End its fourth in the UK on September 1, 1975. And there behind the counter, when it first opened its doors, was Sheila Khan.

Sheila, 66, of South Norwood, is the longest serving McDonald's employee in the country.

She has witnessed many changes during the last 30 years including the pedestrianisation of North End, several revamps of the restaurant and the introduction of the Happy Meal, but she said the time has flown by.

The mum-of-two said: "It's quite frightening really to think that I've been here for three decades. It's flown by.

"I've really enjoyed it here if I didn't I wouldn't have stayed."

Sheila has filled just about every role at the North End branch, but said she enjoys her current job as hostess the most.

"When I first started we were not given a specific role. We just did everything cooking, working on the till and working on the shop floor.

"Now I work in the seating area which is great. I enjoy communicating with customers, looking after them and dealing with their needs."

Sheila said the best part of her job is getting compliments from satisfied customers.

"The favourite part of my job is when you've had a nice day and when people say nice things to you. It makes me feel appreciated. It's great when things go right."

With so many teenagers working at McDonald's, Sheila tries to mother the younger staff at times.

She joked: "You try to look after them but sometimes they don't understand. But I get on really well with everyone, which is nice.

"We had a work night out recently and when I and the older members of staff walked in all the kids cheered."

Sheila, who said her favourite item on the menu is a Big Mac, is extremely proud to have been a McDonald's employee for so long.

"I feel proud to have been here for 30 years. It's not the sort of job to stay in for so long if you don't enjoy it."

On Saturday she collected an award from McDonald's director of operations Mark Schweizer in recognition of her long service and as part of the restaurant's 30th anniversary celebrations, which were attended by the deputy mayor of Croydon Councillor Pat Ryan.