A TRIP to the capital is on the cards next week for an East Lancashire woman -- but sightseeing and shopping are way down on her list.

Instead Dorothy Maskell, of Oak Bank, Newton, near Clitheroe, has an appointment with the Queen. And, when she walks back through the halls of Buckingham Palace on Tuesday after meeting Her Majesty she will have a definite spring in her step after officially having the letters MBE added to her name. Mrs Maskell, 58, was named in the New Year honours list for her work in the careers service over the past 40 years.

Originally from Rawtenstall, she began as a clerk and later took a post graduate course and worked for a while in Colne. After she was appointed district careers officer she covered Nelson, Colne and Barnoldswick, before eventually covering all of Hyndburn and Ribble Valley.

"The fact I have received an MBE still hasn't sunk in after all this time," said Mrs Maskell, who will be accompanied by her husband Jack.

"The award is not just for me; it has been a team effort. I have enjoyed every minute I have worked in the careers service and feel the honour is for everyone I have ever worked with."

The couple will travel to the capital on Sunday and spend some time with their daughter Shirley, their son-in-law and grand-daughter who live a short distance from Gatwick Airport.