A churchwarden from Dorchester will be one of 74 people to receive King Charles III's Maundy money today.

Val Potter of the county town will be part of the ancient Maundy Thursday ritual in York today, which will be the first time King Charles has handed out the specially minted coins as monarch.

Mrs Potter was nominated for the honour by the Bishop of Salisbury in tribute to her great service to church and community.

The other person from the Diocese of Salisbury nominated to take part is John Walsh, who is also a former mayor of Salisbury.

The pair from the local diocese will be given coins to the value of the age of the monarch – so they will each receive 74 pence.

Mrs Potter has lived and worked in Dorchester for more than 30 years, attending St Peter’s Church.

She has worked as the county’s ecumenical officer and heads up the Dorchester Area Churches Ecology group.

She was nominated for her extensive efforts to ensure the removal of a controversial monument to a slave owner from the walls of St Peter’s. The memorial is being moved to a neighbouring museum.

Mrs Potter said: "I am deeply moved by this honour and I am really looking forward to the service, especially as it is being held in York Minster as I was born and grew up in York.”

John Walsh was mayor of Salisbury for two years during Covid. During his time as city and county councillor and then mayor, he worked to support the people of Salisbury. He also served as chairman of SW Mencap and has continued to volunteer for them.

The Maundy Service happens each year on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, which marks the Last Supper, at which Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another and demonstrated by washing his disciples feet. This year, the Royal Maundy Service is taking place in York.

All the recipients of the Maundy money will be gifted two purses each: one red and one white. The white purse will contain the silver Maundy coins

Inside the red, there will be two commemorative coins that symbolize the sovereign's historic gift of food and clothing.

This year, the coins will celebrate the King's forthcoming 75th birthday as well as the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation.

The Bishop of Salisbury, Rt Rev Stephen Lake, said: “It is always wonderful to nominate people for this honour. This year, King Charles’ first year as monarch, is particularly significant. Val and John have served their communities with such dedication – they are an inspiration.”