It was the year Martin Luther King was shot dead, Johnny Cash recorded Live at Folsom Prison and Jean Harris, right, started work at Dereham Woolworths.

It was the year Martin Luther King was shot dead, Johnny Cash recorded Live at Folsom Prison and Jean Harris, right, started work at Dereham Woolworths.

And 40 years on Miss Harris is still serving at the same branch and has no intention of hanging up her pic 'n' mix scoop yet.

The 55-year-old, from Toftwood, said: “When I started I never thought I'd be here all this time. It's just a lovely place. We're like a little family.

“A lot of things have changed. There used to be a deli counter at the back.

“On a Friday you could hardly move for people queuing up. I think the town really misses it.

“My favourite parts are meeting people and looking after the pic 'n' mix counter. A lot of customers are friends. You can't eat the sweets though.”

Staff keen to celebrate Miss Harris's achievement decorated the High Street window with pictures of her, and banners.

And throughout the day customers came in to give the loyal worker cards and gifts.

Miss Harris, who started work in 1968 to the day on Wednesday, said: “I couldn't believe it when I saw the window.

“I was on the bus looking at a top in a shop window then I saw our window and thought 'oh no.'

“Everyone was waiting outside with their cameras.

“I thought it would be another day, but it is turning out to be rather exciting.

“Retirement is in five years but I can't imagine leaving before then.”