Army grandmother on tour in Iraq

The 53-year-old is one of the oldest female serving officers in Iraq

A grandmother from Merseyside who is one of the oldest reservist troops is on her first tour of duty in Iraq.

Maj Patricia McParlin, from Lydiate, who has been in the Territorial Army (TA) for 24 years, is stationed in Basra with the Royal Logistic Corps.

The tour is the 53-year-old's first time on an overseas operation.

But she will return home at Christmas to care for her four-year-old grandson Liam when his soldier father goes on duty in Cyprus.

Maj McParlin's daughter and son-in-law both also serve in the Army and are due to be on duty over the festive season.

'Young in spirit'

Maj McParlin, who usually works as a senior manager for the local education authority in Lancashire, said: "I have always been willing to be mobilised but this is the first opportunity that I have had.

"I think I can say that at 53 I am the oldest woman in theatre, although I like to think I am young in spirit."

She enrolled as a soldier at the age of 29 and received her commission as an officer at the age of 35 to become one of the oldest to go through officer training at Sandhurst.

Despite her lengthy career as an army reservist, this stint in Basra is her first operational tour.

Maj McParlin added: "The only thing I really miss is contact with my family and friends.

"I keep in touch with my daughter, grandson, son-in-law, sisters and friends though a combination of emails and telephone calls. But of course, I do look forward to seeing everyone in person again."