Introducing the world's longest-serving KFC employee, a remarkable 74-year-old who has dedicated an impressive 47 years to the fast-food chain.

A dedicated fast food worker from Somerset, who has provided service with a smile for nearly 50 years, has been named the world's longest employee at KFC.

At 74 years old, Grandmother Pauline Richards has achieved an astonishing milestone of 47 years with the chain in Taunton. During her remarkable tenure, she is believed to have served over six million drumsticks and countless chicken wings throughout the years.

She has now achieved the prestigious title at the fast food company, having outperformed American employee Lorena Neely, who was with KFC from 1976 until 2023.

Pauline has worked in almost every role possible at the chain, starting as a cleaner and going on to be a cashier, supervisor, team leader and manager.

The well-known figure enjoys a celebrity-like reputation in Taunton, with residents affectionately calling her 'Miss KFC', 'Mum', and 'Nan'. 

Customers mention that her warm smile and cheerful conversations are the reasons they keep returning. 

Speaking to The Sun, she said: 'If you keep them happy, they are happy to come and see you. 

"They arrive and search for me, and if I'm taking a break, they request that I come down to greet them."

Pauline, whose daughter and grandson have both been employed at the branch, mentioned that she isn't considering retirement anytime soon from the job she is passionate about.

In a previous interview, Pauline said: 'KFC haven't done anything wrong for me and I think they are good to work for.

"I haven't received any feedback or complaints. Whenever I encountered an issue with anything, I made sure to discuss it with my manager."

"I genuinely enjoy collaborating with everyone here; I can't deny that. We have a wonderful team."

"I truly enjoy my work. I've consistently engaged with customers in a friendly manner, always striving to assist them to the best of my abilities. This role has always fit well with my lifestyle."

"I want to express my gratitude to my customers who have become friends over time; I truly value your support." 

In the 1970s, Pauline took on a job as a cleaner at KFC to help her friend who had recently started at the old location on East Reach.

She eventually became a cashier, taking orders from customers before assisting in the kitchen with food preparation.

Pauline reminisced about the cooking techniques from nearly half a century ago, saying, "Back then, we prepared hot wings in pots, breaded them thoroughly, and slathered on the BBQ sauce."

Throughout her time at the company, she advanced to the position of manager, where she served for two and a half years.

After the closure of the East Reach branch, she relocated to the KFC on East Street and chose to take a step back, joining the team as a member.

Pauline mentions that during a regular shift, she attends to customers, prepares orders, takes care of patrons, and maintains cleanliness in the restaurant.

She claims she always aims to 'help them out to the best I can', adding: 'A lot of people say, 'don't ever leave'. They say you know what you're talking about, you help me out, and you're always friendly.

"I always ensure that I accurately take people's orders. I believe this is beneficial for the customers." 

She remarked, "Whenever I take a break outside, the kids would yell 'Hello Miss KFC' at me and refer to me as 'Mum' and 'Nan'."

"Even on Friday and Saturday nights, I find customers here, and some young guys begin to chant my name, clearly excited to see me."

"When I'm not around, the customers often wonder where I've gone. And if I happen to be out, I get questions about why I'm not on shift that night."     

KFC remarked that Pauline served as 'a significant role model in her community, leaving behind a legacy that the Colonel would have admired'.