Three long-serving and dedicated members of the diocesan community have received Maundy money at this year's presentation, held at York Minster.

Canon Jack Cooper and Val Grahl were nominated for the honour by Bishop Libby.

It was the such service since the King's accession to the throne

Canon Jack, from Hathersage, is a PCC member, serves on Peak Deanery Synod, Diocesan Synod and Bishop's Council.

Val Grahl is a lay member of Chapter at Derby Cathedral, has served as co-chair of the Community Committee and is currently Interim Chair of the Cathedral Council.

They were joined at the service by Joan Plant, from Eyam, who was nominated by Buckingham Palace.

Joan has been churchwarden at Eyam St Lawrence and has an extensive knowledge of the history of the village and its association with the plague of 1665/6.

Special memories

Describing the occasion, Val Grahl said: "It was a very, very special day.

"King Charles presented me with the two purses, one red and one white, and held my hand and said how pleased he was to be able to give them to me.

"I simply replied, 'thank you, Your Majesty' as there was no time for a conversation, but it left me with a feeling of awe and sheer privilege to have received it from the King."

In the white purse were seven sets of silver 1p, 2p, 3p and 4p coins and an additional 4p coin - totalling 74p and signifying the King's age.

The red purse contained a silver 50 pence piece with the King's head and a depiction of the Windrush Generation, and a silver £5 coin embossed with the King's head and the number 75 to signify his next birthday.

There were about 2000 people in York Minster and they were treated to some 'wonderful organ music' before the service began, including works from Handel, Mendelssohn, Bairstow and Franck. 

"The service itself began with a fanfare," said Val. "And then 2000 people singing Praise to the Holiest sent a shiver down my spine!

"The organisation was superb - so smooth - and there were people on hand to help with everything.

"I will never forget the special feeling of being in the Minster with the King and all those people."

In total, 74 men and 74 women received Maundy money, 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 older members of society, who are recognised for their contribution to their church and community.