A NORTH Lancashire priest is to be honoured by the Queen in the Royal Maundy service today.

The Rev Canon Paul Warren, who has served for 50 years in his role, will be presented with Maundy money at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

The Royal Maundy is an ancient ceremony which can be traced back to the fourth century and has its origin is in the commandment Christ gave after washing the feet of his disciples on the day before Good Friday. The number of nominated recipients is equal to the age of Her Majesty in the year the Maundy Money is being presented. This year 90 men and 90 women will receive the honour.

“I am amazed and thrilled to be receiving this honour," said Mr Warren, who is priest-in-charge of Silverdale St John. "I guess being the longest active and serving priest in the Blackburn diocese has helped!

“It is 50 years since I was ordained and I still love my job. I have enjoyed every one of my posts and to be meeting Her Majesty to receive this special honour really is the icing on the cake for me.”

Mr Warren, 74, began his church career as a curate at Lancaster Priory in 1967. He was later the Anglican chaplain of Lancaster University and the first principal of Grizedale College.

Since then he has served as the vicar of Langho and the chaplain to Whalley Abbey, and in recent years has been Area Dean of Tunstall Deanery.

Mr Warren is one of four Lancashire men and women who will be meeting with the Queen to receive their special coins, with each having been nominated by their local Church of England Dioceses.

Diocesan Bishop, the Rt Rev Julian Henderson has 'congratulated' all the recipients of the Maundy money.

He said: “Maundy Thursday is an important part of any Christian’s preparation for Easter and The Queen has always conducted her Maundy responsibilities with great devotion.

“I am sure that the visit to Windsor for this special occasion will be a deeply personal and moving experience for all the nominees from our diocese and I hope and pray they have a memorable day."