A CONONLEY woman who received the Royal Maundy Money from The Queen has said she will never forget the "wonderful experience".

Elsie Clarke, 73, who attends St John's Church in the village, was one of just 180 people across the country to be honoured by Her Majesty during a Maundy Thursday service at St George's Chapel in Windsor.

"It went wonderfully and the whole atmosphere was absolutely fabulous," said Elsie, who was honoured for her service to the church and the community after being nominated by the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev Nick Baines.

"We sat directly behind The Queen and Prince Phillip and it was spectacular watching all the processions," added Elsie.

During the service, The Queen distributed the Maundy Money to 90 men and 90 women – to mark The Queen's 90th birthday – in two sessions, each person receiving a red purse containing a nominal allowance for clothing and provision and a payment for the redemption of the Royal gown, and also a white purse containing Maundy coins in as many pence as the Sovereign has years of age.

The service was followed by buffet lunch in St George's Hall, and Elsie and her husband, David, returned to Windsor Castle the next day to visit the gardens and attend the Good Friday service in St George's Chapel.

"It was a wonderful experience, never to be forgotten," said Elsie.