The age old tradition of giving out Maundy money by the monarch to deserving members of the community took place in Gloucestershire this year. Gloucester Cathedral played host to The Queen who carried out the ceremony for people from all walks throughout the county including many people from the Five Valleys.

INSIDE the cathedral a hush fell over the 1,600 strong congregation as the Yeoman of the Guard took their positions.

Excitement mounted as religious dignitaries and civic leaders walked down the central aisle to take their seats before the Queen's arrival.

Outside the south door of the cathedral, the Queen was handed the traditional nosegay by the Dean of Gloucester the Very Rev Nicholas Bury.

As a fanfare especially composed for the occasion by Gavin Wells signalled the arrival of the Queen at 11am, the crowd rose.

People shuffled forward in hope of getting a first glance of the royal couple on their way to the high altar.

The imposing Norman building had been given a seasonal feel with dozens of yellow and white floral decorations.

The immaculate setting was enhanced by the congregation, who had put in a lot of effort to turn out in their Sunday best for this special day.

At the heart of the service were the 154 Maundy Money recipients.

The 77 men and 77 women, all pensioners, had been recommended by clergy and ministers of all denominations for their service to the church and community.

They included Five Valleys residents Joyce Farley, Leon Green, Edna Rimer, Esme King, George Dickenson and Jim Portbury

The number of recipients of each sex marks each of the Queen's years. Her Majesty celebrated her 77th birthday on Easter Monday.

The service was led by the Dean and included representations from different religious denominations.

After the initial prayers and the reading of the first lesson by the Dean, the recipients on the south side of the cathedral were first to receive their gifts.

The traditional white leather Maundy purses, each containing one, two, three and four pence silver coins were distributed from specially crafted gold trays carried by the Yeomen.

Following the reading of the second lesson by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Maundy purses were distributed to recipients on the north side of the cathedral.

Prayers brought the hour-long service to a close before the cathedral erupted with the National Anthem.

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Rev David Bentley, then read the blessing before the royal party emerged into the bright sunshine for the official photograph.