'I didn't think I was old enough for Maundy money'

Jean Duerden checked she was old enough to receive the special coins when she was first selected

A Lancashire woman said she was "absolutely thrilled" to be chosen to receive Maundy money from Queen Camilla.

Jean Duerden, of Rossendale is one of 150 people who were presented with the special coins at Worcester Cathedral.

She said she had to consult her Alexa device to check she was old enough to receive it when she heard she had been put forward.

Maundy coins go to people aged 70 and over to mark their Christian service.

King Charles has been unable to attend the service due to his cancer treatment, so instead a recorded message was played at the Maundy Thursday service.

The tradition dates back to the 4th Century at least, and recipients of the honour are nominated by their local Church of England Dioceses.

Ms Duerden is a steward at Blackburn Cathedral and has volunteered for many years in the parish and the community, including helping coordinate a number of key events including the Diocesan Conference in 2022.

Jean Duerden was excited to meet Queen Camilla

She said: "I was absolutely thrilled when I received the invitation from Buckingham Palace to receive the Maundy money but initially I was convinced I wasn't old enough."

She asked her Amazon Alexa voice assistant, and "Alexa assured me that I had made it as I am over 70".

While disappointed she did not get to meet King Charles, she was excited to meet Queen Camilla for a second time.

Queen Camilla has given out the special coins at the ceremony at Worcester Cathedral

"I was very much looking forward to meeting the King this year and I'm so sorry that he needs to avoid crowds whilst undergoing chemotherapy but delighted that Queen Camilla will do the honours," she said.

"I met her briefly years ago when at the Sandringham Flower Show."

She added that was "very informal" though compared to the Maundy service.