Paul McCartney says a special ‘hello’ to the catering manager every time he visits the iconic studio

Contrary to the popular Beatles song When I’m Sixty-Four, Abbey Road Studio’s oldest employee was given a surprise party to celebrate her 65th birthday last week.

Catering manager Doreen Dunkley has worked at the iconic studios for 22 years during which time she has met hundreds of famous musicians including members of the Beatles, Diana Ross and Take That.

Ms Dunkley said: “I love working at Abbey Road and have made some really great friends here over the years so I won’t be retiring for a while yet.

“The most exciting part of my job is definitely getting to meet lots of famous and interesting people. I came into work last week and was greeted by Gary Barlow and Mark Owen from Take That.

“My favourite is Paul McCartney, though – he is such a gentleman and whenever he’s in he comes over, gives me a big hug and says ‘Hello Dor’.”

She was presented with a cake in the shape of a kettle, a bunch of flowers and tickets to see her idol Rod Stewart in concert.

Mark Philpott, managing director of London caterers Vacherin, said: “Doreen is a wonderful lady and she is extremely popular with all the staff and visitors at Abbey Road – we are lucky to have her.”