A 20-year-old man appeared in court today accused of murdering a grandmother during a children's party at a McDonald's restaurant.

Jackie Marshall, 57, of Southbourne, near Chichester, was stabbed to death as she supervised the party at the Terminus Road restaurant in Chichester at lunchtime on Saturday.

She had worked for the fast-food chain for about 15 years.

Shane Freer, a former McDonald's employee of First Avenue, Batchmere, appeared before Chichester magistrates today charged with her murder.

Bespectacled Freer, who wore a creased white shirt, spoke during the five-minute hearing before court chairman Christopher Whitmore-Jones only to confirm his name, age and address, and to say he understood the charge. He was remanded in custody until April 28, when he is due before Lewes Crown Court.

Grandmother Mrs Marshall, married for more than 35 years, was from a close-knit family and was well-known in the Southbourne area for her charity work.

A McDonald's spokesman paid tribute earlier to "a much loved, valued and respected member of our team" and said the company was "shocked and horrified by this tragic incident".

Dozens of floral tributes have been left outside the burger bar by shocked families and staff.