Joan Plant, from Eyam, has been revealed as one of the recipients of Maundy money at York Minister on 6 April.

And she said she "cried for a full half-hour" when, in February, she received her letter from Buckingham Palace inviting her to receive it.

She said: "My husband had gone down to make breakfast when the postman came.

"He brought the letter upstairs and said 'I think you'd better open this!'

"When I saw it had the Royal stamp on it I just looked at it for a few minutes, wondering what it was all about - and also thinking that the postman would be wondering what I'm doing!

"It was a big surprise and I just felt so humbled.

"I'm just a small person in a small village and I feel really honoured to be able to receive [the Maundy money].

"I'm not receiving it just for me, but taking the whole village with me, in my mind."

Joan has lived in Eyam - often known as the Plague Village - all her life.

She has been churchwarden and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.

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The Revd Mike Gilbert, Rector of Eyam, expressed his delight for Joan. 

He said: "I can't think of a better person to get it - she is pretty much 'Mrs Eyam'!

"Joan has been a long and faithful servant, not only to the church but also to the village and she is known, loved and respected by everyone here."

The King and Queen Consort will distribute the Maundy money at York Minster in the first such service since the death of Queen Elizabeth.

There will be 74 recipients, one for each year of the King's age.

Maundy Thursday is a symbolic ceremony, dating back to AD600, where the monarch gives out specially-minted coins.

The recipients are traditionally elderly people, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.