When it comes to the business of burgers, Jacob Collings is clearly the best man for the Mcjob.

The Southampton teenager has just beaten competition from 80,000 colleagues from across the country to be named McDonald’s’ employee of the year.

Nineteen-year-old Jacob’s ability, enthusiasm and dedication have won him the prestigious title from the fast food chain – and an all-expenses-paid holiday, tickets to the Community Shield at Wembley, and £250 in gift vouchers.

“It’s absolutely brilliant, it’s a really proud achievement,” he said.

“There’s some great prizes and it’s going to be a brilliant summer, but obviously the main thing is the prestige – it’s going to benefit me greatly with my future career and anything I choose to do.”

Jacob’s McDonald’s career began when he saw an advert in the Daily Echo for a part-time role at the Swaythling branch, which he saw as a great chance to earn some cash after finishing his GCSEs at Bitterne Park School.

Less than four years later he has risen through the ranks from crew member to shift manager, responsible for up to 13 members of staff at a time and setting the shifts of up to 50 workers, as well as training other employees.

And despite working three days a week during term-time while he studies for a degree in human geography at the University of Southampton, he also manages to find time to fit in being in a successful local band, The Casual Nelsons, and teaching youngsters at his old school.

Proud boss Tony Bennett nominated Jacob for the competition, which has seen him impress judges in various regional rounds before the national final, and is delighted to have had his faith proved right.

“It’s a great feeling to have the employee of the year here – I know he thoroughly deserves it and the whole team is really proud of him,” he said.