A LOCAL preacher received a special gift from Queen Camilla at the Royal Maundy Service last month.

Rev Jean Daykin, from the United Benefice of Darton and Staincross, was in shock when she received an invite from the Lord Chamberlain’s Office at Buckingham Palace back in January.

Thanks to the nomination from Bishop Nick Baines at the Diocese of Leeds, and support from Bishop of Wakefield Tony Robinson, Rev Daykin got the opportunity to meet Queen Camilla in Worcester Cathedral on March 28.

This custom stretches back to as early as the 13th century, when the royals would hand out gifts and take part in foot-washing ceremonies, copying Jesus’ display of humility.

She told the Chronicle: “I didn’t know what to think at first - I just thought ‘how did this happen?’

“I went with our youngest son Richard, since you’re only allowed one companion for the day.”

At the service, Jean was gifted a commemorative £5 coin by the queen, as well as 75 uniquely-minted pennies - the amount marks the current monarch’s age.

“What I didn’t expect was the crowd,” Jean added.

“There was such a brilliant atmosphere and lots of people.

“But security took control and made sure everyone felt safe - they were amazing, and did their job with a lot of dignity. ]

“We were looked after and taken directly to our seats.

“The coin purses were carried on a huge gold platter - they were handed to the Bishop of Worcester who then put it in the Queen’s hand.

“When she handed it to me I said ‘thank you, your majesty’ - she looked back and spoke directly to me, using my name and thanking me.

“The service, the music, everything was wonderful - it becomes more awesome the more you get involved.

“Talking through it reminds me how impressive it was, I’m realising again that I actually went and did it.”