From Sunday school superintendents to safeguarding leads, wardens to counsellors, the recipients represent decades of quiet, faithful work across the diocese.

Eighteen members of the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon are among those who have received Royal Maundy gifts from the King today, in recognition of outstanding Christian service to their churches and communities.

The Royal Maundy Service took place at St Asaph Cathedral - the first time the occasion has been held in North Wales, and only the second time in its 800-year history that it has been held in Wales.

King Charles presented each recipient with two purses: a white purse containing specially minted silver Maundy coins totalling 77 pennies, matching the King's age, and a red purse containing commemorative coins marking 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II and the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust.

Among those honoured is Derrick Hanock, whose decades of voluntary work included serving as Sunday School Superintendent to 400 children, as Mayor and town councillor, and - upon retirement - founding and leading both a Christian retreat and resource centre and a free Christian counselling service. Jackie Cooper, a qualified mental health nurse and counsellor, has given thousands of hours of voluntary counselling to those in need. Lelita Saunders and Irving Saunders are both recognised for exemplifying Christian service through long careers in nursing as well as their church commitments.

Others have shaped the structural life of the diocese over many years. Peter Townsend served as Diocesan DBF Chair and treasurer. Tim Davenport served as Diocesan Registrar. Heather Price combined roles as eucharistic assistant, worship leader and children's officer with serving as a former Diocesan Secretary. Gillian Knight, Diocesan Mothers' Union President, has also served as pastoral visitor, worship leader, Eco Church lead and former DBF executive.

The full list of recipients from the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon is: John Coupland, Stuart Batcup, Tim Davenport, Peter Townsend, Leonard Lawrence, Richard Verge, Chris Fairhurst, Heather Price, Juliet Pugh, Ruth Roberts, Jane Powell, Lelita Saunders, Jane Watkeys, Gillian Knight, Gina Ayling, Derrick Hanock, Jackie Cooper and Irving Saunders.

The Royal Maundy has its roots in the 13th century, with the first recorded royal distribution made by King John in 1210. It commemorates Christ's command at the Last Supper that his followers should serve one another — a command that each of this year's recipients has answered, in their own way, over the course of a lifetime.

Archbishop of Wales, the Most Rev'd Cherry Vann, said the service was a chance to honour those who had given themselves to church and community.

The service featured specially commissioned music by Welsh composers. The processional Cross of Wales - given by the King to the Christians of Wales and used at his Coronation at Westminster Abbey in 2023 - also featured in the service.