Paula Roots, who was instrumental in setting up Home-Start West Lothian, has been awarded an MBE.

West Lothian’s only recipient of a New Year honour from the Queen has been congratulated for her hard work and dedication.

Paula Roots, was awarded an MBE for services to the community in West Lothian.

Now retired, Paula was latterly group manager, Early Years and Early Intervention, with West Lothian Council and started as a trainee social worker with the authority in 1974.

Paula who stays just outside Linlithgow with husband Jack, said she is delighted to be honoured.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it at first and thought it was a wind-up by my husband.

“It’s great for social work which is not normally a profession that is recognised.”

Since retiring in March, Paula, who has two children, a step daughter and a grandson, spends much of her time volunteering and is currently on the board of Homestart West Lothian, Sure Start Midlothian and volunteers at the family centre for visitors at Polmont Prison.

She has spent her entire career with West Lothian Council and added: “I have worked in social work since 1974.

“West Lothian has been a great place to work and you can really make a difference in social work by staying in the community.”

West Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant Moira Niven said: “It’s wonderful to have Paula honoured by the Queen in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List.

“Paula spent over 40 years helping some of the most vulnerable people in West Lothian and it fantastic that she has been recognized with an MBE.”