A FORMER headteacher at a Hereford secondary school has been gifted special money from the royal family – but what is Maundy Monday?

Every Maundy Thursday, the Queen gives money to a number of nominated people from across England and Scotland.

The Royal Maundy Service has not gone ahead for the past two years. Instead, the Maundy money was blessed at the Chapel Royal, before being posted to recipients alongside a letter from The Queen.

This year the service has taken place at St George's Chapel, Windsor and the recipients will receive their Maundy money and purses from The Prince of Wales, who is representing the Queen.

What is Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles.

It is part of Holy Week, which starts on Palm Sunday, and not only symbolises the end of Lent but it also marks the lead up to the celebrations of Easter.

It includes Maundy Thursday and ends on Holy Saturday and is described as "the most solemn week of the Christian year".

What is Maundy money?

As part of the traditional Ceremony of the Royal Maundy, the Queen takes part in a service, and during the event she will gift the purses containing the money to a number of deserving senior citizens.

This year, Prince Charles took part in the service instead.

The tradition of presenting alms on Maundy Thursday goes back to at least the 4th century and in this country, the first record of the monarch doing it is in 1213.

The number of recipients changes ever year, and this year there will be 96 men and 96 women to receive a purse. This is because the number of recipients is equal to the monarch’s age, and the Queen will turn 96 on April 21.

Maundy coins are specially minted and are legal tender.

Who is being sent Maundy Money in Herefordshire?

Andrew Marson is the only Herefordshire recipient in this year's Maundy Money from the Diocese of Hereford.

Mr Marson is a former headteacher of the The Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School from 1986 to 2007 and treasurer of Preston Wynne Holy Trinity Church.

He retired from his role as headteacher and soon took up an active role in his church, Holy Trinity in Preston Wynne, where he led a church youth group and runs services.

He has also led a successfully bid and secured heritage lottery funding to refurbish Holy Trinity Church.

What has Mr Marson said?

Mr Marson said: "“I was surprised and wondered how my name had been put forward. I am looking forward to sitting in St George’s Chapel again and being amongst such worthy people as part of this tradition, which reflects the monarch’s leadership of the Anglican church.”

"I was surprised and wondered how my name had been put forward. I felt very honoured despite not considering myself an old pensioner.

"I spent 21 happy years at the Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School and tried to serve the students and staff to the best of my ability. Maundy Thursday signifies for me Jesus as the servant king. The school motto is 'always faithful to Christ'."

"I am looking forward to sitting in St George's Chapel again and being amongst such worthy people as part of this tradition, which reflects the monarch's leadership of the Anglican church. I was a Deputy Head in Windsor for 8 years so it will bring back many happy memories.

"I was surprised and wondered how my name had been put forward. I am looking forward to sitting in St George's Chapel again and being amongst such worthy people as part of this tradition, which reflects the monarch's leadership of the Anglican church."

What has the Bishop of Hereford said?

The Rt Rev Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, who made the nomination,s said: "The Maundy Money ceremony is an opportunity to recognise the long-standing contribution of two individuals, who have made an incredible difference to people's lives and the ministry of the Church in our Diocese.

"I am delighted that the service will take place in person this year. It is a joyous celebration, and I am deeply thankful for Janet and Andrew's ministry in this diocese."