The Work and Pensions Secretary dropped into a Batchelors Cup a Soup factory to congratulate a worker on 40 years of service.

Damian Green, who is MP for Ashford, paid a visit to the Premier Foods site in Kennington Road on Friday to shake hands with Sally Gillam.

She has spent four decades at the factory, which employs more than 300 people, helping produce products like Paxo stuffing and the new Paul Hollywood cake and bread mixes.

The minister was shown around by Premier Foods chief executive Gavin Darby and factory general manager Simon Ellmore.

Mrs Gillam started at the site as a soup packer in 1976 and progressing to her current role as process quality control operator in the test kitchen.

She said: “I’ve had an opportunity to get involved with some really interesting things and the people at the site are enabling me to have a long and happy career. I’ve made a lot of friends over the years.”

Mr Green said: “I’ve been to the site several times and it’s always great to hear how the company is investing in the future through launching new products and developing its people.

“It was great to see the factory in action and speak to many of the staff. I was delighted to be able to congratulate Sally on her incredible achievement of 40 years’ service.”