THE parents of a Tranent woman who has been awarded an MBE after nearly 30 years in the armed services are getting ready to head to Buckingham Palace for her Royal investiture.

Lorraine Anderson, 45, joined the army after leaving Ross High School at the age of 16 – and has been with the Royal Logistic Corps ever since.

Despite her recent retirement, she remains in an administrative post with the Corps as a reservist, currently based near Manchester.

Parents William and Moira Anderson, from Fleets Road, Tranent, revealed how they received news of their daughter’s Royal honour when she called home last week.

Dad William said: “Lorraine called to say she had been awarded an MBE.

“We are incredibly proud of her and all she has achieved. We even called in at Ross High to tell them the news. They were delighted as well.”

Warrant Officer Second Class Lorraine, 45, was among just 64 servicemen and women granted state honours in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon announced the full list and paid tribute to those who were mentioned.

He said: “It is right that we honour the dedication and commitment displayed by the men and woman in our armed forces whose service goes above and beyond.

“Their work will help ensure that Britain stands ready to face any threat as we continue to step up our commitments in Europe and across the world.”

Lorraine joined the Corps in 1988 and was trained as a chef.

Dad William revealed: “No one in the family has an army background, Lorraine saw it as a way to make a career.

“At the time there weren’t many prospects for her here so she joined up and never looked back.”

During her time in active service, Lorraine saw tours in Bosnia, Kosovo, Germany and Africa, as well as serving two tours in Iraq.

During her time in Bosnia, Lorraine even featured in the Courier as she helped keep morale up by producing top-notch food for the troops on the frontline, feeding up to 1,200 soldiers three times a day for the busy army kitchens.

After retiring, she applied to rejoin the Corps as a reservist and was nominated for the MBE by senior officers.

Now her parents are getting ready for the journey to London on March 2, where they have been invited to see Lorraine receive the honour at Buckingham Palace.

William said: “She phoned and told us to get ready for a trip to London as her parents were on the guest list.

“We are thrilled and looking forward to it. It will be some day.”