A 74-year-old from Saddleworth received special recognition for his distinguished commitment to the church and community as a recipient of The Queen’s Maundy money. 

Since birth Geoffrey Dent has been a member of St Thomas Church, Friarmere, Delph, and a staunch member of the Saddleworth community.

Traditionally, the Maundy Service moves around the country and this year the ceremony took place in St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

Mr Daunt attended with his wife, Thelma, who runs the Saddleworth Voluntary Services lunch club for elderly people.

The Royal procession was led by Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall and finally the Royal Almoners procession with Yeomen carrying large trays holding the purses. 

During the service, Prince Charles walked to each individual to present the purse.

The tradition of distribution of alms started in the 12 and 13th centuries with the king’s court travelling the country. 

This year there were 96 coins each with the Maundy money in two leather purses.

A white purse containing sliver 1p,2p,3p and 4p coins to the value of the sovereign's age.

A red purse, which contained a silver £5 coin and a 50p coin, replaced the original gift for clothing and provisions. 

Mr Dent said: “This year’s coins are specially marked as jubilee coins. 

“Receiving the award was a completely unexpected great honour and the presentation held in the chapel with all the pageantry made for a totally wonderful experience.”

Mr Dent served as a church sidesman for 30 years, joining Friarmere  Parish Church Council in 1990 and is serving to this day. 

In 1965, at 17 years old, he joined ICI as a lab assistant and 37 years later had become an expert in a niche area of chemical analysis and eventually retired as a consultant at Manchester University two years ago.

He said: “My scientific career and church involvement came together when I instigated the Manchester Diocese motion at General Synod to affirm the compatibility of being a scientist and having religious faith.

"This led to the God and the Big Bang Project which successfully takes the message into schools and colleges.”

He added: “What to do with money? It is apparently legal tender but I won’t be trying to buy a paper with it and £6.46 doesn’t help the gas bill. 

“I am told there is lot of demand for sets from coin collectors. This year's will be special and rare as they are Jubilee coins.

“I will keep them safe for now and probably leave them to my daughters. If anyone wants to see them I will be happy for them to look.”