A reverend was left speechless after finding out she would be receiving 'Maundy money' from King Charles.

Associate priest at Christ Church, in Gravesend, Revd Jacqueline Littlewood, was given the royal recognition for her role in pastoral care in the parish and wider community.

She said: "It is very special to be a recipient of the Royal Maundy on the first occasion in our King’s reign. It feels like a historic occasion for all concerned.

"The news that I had been nominated to receive The Royal Maundy Money left me speechless and it is lovely to receive such a royal recognition from my sovereign.

"This day will be very exciting and I want to thank Rochester Diocese for nominating me for this very special occasion."

The tradition acknowledges the Christian service of a person in their community and takes place on Maundy Thursday.

There will be the same number of recipients as the sovereign's age – this year 74 men and 74 women were chosen – and each is given two purses at the ceremony.

The monarch hands each person bags with one containing ordinary coins and the other silver Maundy coins.

Revd Littlewood added: "The Royal Maundy is a reminder of the humble service that we find at the heart of our faith in Christ’s command to love and serve.

"A vocation we all share as followers of Christ – King or commoner, clergy or lay."

This year, the service was held in York Minster on Thursday, April 6, and the recipients were the first under King Charles' reign.