A 60-year-old fast food employee has inspired her bosses to recruit more pensioners.

Jill Smith has worked behind the counter at the McDonald’s restaurant in Brighton Marina for 24 years and her service with a smile has made a big impression at the international food empire.

She said: “I really love my job because it gives me the opportunity to meet and chat with new people every day, as part of delivering good customer service.

“I still keep in contact with one of our old customers who now lives over the pond in America – she was a regular in the restaurant and we became great friends.”

McDonald's currently employs more than 1000 people close to retirement age across the country and Jill has inspired her bosses that there is a good reason to recruit more.

She said: “Being an older worker, I feel all my previous jobs have helped me to develop the experience and confidence to communicate with all the different people that I meet in the restaurant every day.

“With more years under my belt I also have more patience and tolerance when it comes to dealing with customers and many of the younger colleagues come to me for advice and guidance.”

What's more, Jill has no plans to throw the towel in any time soon.

She said: “I enjoy my job here so much and look forward to coming into work. I think having this kind of positive attitude sets a good example to younger workers and encourages them to feel motivated and enthusiastic in the work place.

“Working with younger people is really good fun and I’m even learning to speak Spanish as one of my colleagues speaks the language fluently.”

If McDonald's was once seen as a faceless chain with a transient workforce Jill is bucking that trend too and making it a family business.

She said: “I would recommend McDonald’s to my grandchildren if they were looking for work.

“My nephew took on a job here after I encouraged him to apply and the role really helped him to build his confidence.”

A McDonald's spokeswoman said: "Jill's quality service at the age of 60 has made us realise we are keen to recruit older staff in order to give the high standards of customer service we want.”