Bishop of Worcester appointed ancient post by the Queen

The Bishop of Worcester has been appointed to an ancient post by the Queen today, giving him responsibility for organising the traditional Royal Maundy Service.

The Rt Rev John Inge has become the Lord High Almoner – a title which dates back hundreds of years to the Middle Ages.

In centuries past, holders of the post had the duty of scattering two pence pieces in places where the monarch was due to pass to create welcoming crowds.

The Lord High Almoner would also hand out the first dish from the Monarch's table to the poor.

Today the holder of the post organises the annual Royal Maundy Service where the Queen distributes Maundy money to retired pensioners in recognition of their service to the church and the community.

Dr Inge has had a varied career in the church, serving as senior chaplain at Harrow School before working as a vicar in an inner-city parish on Tyneside for six years.

He was appointed Bishop of Huntingdon in 2003 and five years later was enthroned as the Bishop of Worcester.