This will be the first time that the ceremony will be held in Manchester

The service, which will be held at the cathedral, will see 81 men and 81 women - representing the Queen's age - receive specially minted coins.

The presentations are given in recognition of people's services to both the Church and their communities.

This will be the first time that the ceremony - which dates back to the 12th Century - will be staged in Manchester.

The Queen has attended 51 Maundy Services at more than 40 cathedrals during her reign.

Last supper

The Yeomen of the Guard - the Tower of London's Beefeaters - will carry the alms purses during the service, which will be attended by the Choir of the Chapel Royal.

The ceremony, which is held annually on the Thursday of Holy Week to mark Christ's Last Supper, used to include a symbolic washing of feet.

Although this was discontinued in the early 1700s, in his role as Lord High Almoner, the Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, will be wrapped in a linen towel in remembrance of Christ washing his disciples' feet.

He said: "I am delighted Her Majesty has chosen to hold the Maundy Ceremonies in Manchester.