And Coun Christine Willoughby, chair and secretary of the Maundy celebrations events sub committee, which is organising the important occasion, is appealing for some special nominations.

“One of the things we are doing that we would like help with is for nominations of people to receive a silver Maundy coin that we are having produced for the occasion,” she said.

“This is open to everyone from Knaresborough and the surrounding area.

“We are asking for nominations of people who have provided service to the town and its people.

“The nominations of no more than 200 words should be sent to the Town Clerk at Knaresborough House before February 27. We are appealing for nominations now and again in the New Year.”

The committee is currently looking at designs for the silver Maundy coin, which will be presented to the nominated people in a presentation box.

Another version of the coin will be given to school children in the town.

“We are particularly looking for designs with the Knaresborough coat of arms on one side inscribed with ‘Royal Maundy 1210-2010 800th anniversary’ around the edge, or maybe 800 in the coin centre,” Christine said.

“On the obverse, the same lettering around the outside with ‘To commemorate the 800th anniversary of the first giving of Royal Maundy by King John in 1210 at Knaresborough Castle’ in the centre would be ideal.”

The event will be held in the grounds of the Castle and promises to be a highlight of 2010.

It is hoped it will include a re-enactment of the giving of the Royal Maundy by King John as well as a medieval fair, early music entertainment, a Maundy ale, a hog roast, medieval stalls and medieval-based activities.

Funding is already coming in to cover costs as well as offers of help from councillors and from the Knaresborough Lions.

A team from the BBC’s Songs of Praise TV crew will also be visiting the town next year to film a programme for BBC1 about the Royal Maundy.

If anyone would like to give a donation towards the event, all contributions would be appreciated, and the committee would also welcome any new members who would like to join.

The next meeting takes place on Tuesday, January 5, at 7.30pm in the Council Chamber at Knaresborough House.

Anyone who would like more details is asked to phone Coun Willoughby on 01423 866987 or the Town Clerk on 01423 864080.