The Queen was at York Minster for a service today where she distributed traditional Royal Maundy money to 172 people.

The last time the Queen gave Maundy money at York Minster was in 1972.

Thousands of people applauded and cheered as the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived for the service.

She marked her Diamond Jubilee by handing out money to people from all 44 dioceses across the UK, as opposed to the traditional one diocese.

The recipients were 86 women and 86 men who had contributed in a special way to the Church and their communities – one for each of the Queen’s 86 years.

They include veteran flower arranger, 79-year-old Norman Deacon from Tow Law, in County Durham.

“I like the creative element of flower arranging. It’s a challenge each time. You have to come up with something new and original with each arrangement," he said.

York Minster is one of the few to have hosted the Royal Maundy service twice.

Writing in the York Press, the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said it was a “fantastic privilege” to have the Queen distribute the Royal Maundy at York Minster.

The word ‘maundy’ comes from the word ‘commandment’ and refers to John 13.34 in which Jesus say to his disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

The tradition stems from King John, who was the first English sovereign to give gifts to the poor at Easter on 15 April 1210 in nearby Knaresborough.

“I am delighted that the Queen is visiting York so early in this year of celebrations," said Dr Sentamu.

“It is hard to imagine any sovereign more completely fulfilling our Lord’s commandment, than our Queen.

“Her love and devotion to God and to her people throughout her reign have set us a fine example of selfless and generous service.

“On Maundy Thursday in this Diamond Jubilee year we salute her for her continued faithfulness to Christ, and to the way of love spelt out so powerfully in the symbolism of this day.”