A selfless volunteer who has helped homeless people in Ipswich and refugees in France is set to be honoured by Her Majesty The Queen on Thursday.

Pamela Geoghegan, 73, of Warrington Road, Ipswich, said it will be an “wonderful honour” to meet the monarch at the Royal Maundy Service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.

Mrs Geoghegan, who helped launch the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter scheme five years ago, will be one of 180 men and women – 90 of each in the year The Queen turns 90 – to receive a Maundy coin.

The Royal Maundy Service is one of the UK’s oldest royal customs and sees the monarch distribute alms in the shape of two purses of specially minted coins to elderly people in recognition of the service of elderly people to their community and their church.

Mrs Geoghegan said: “It is absolutely wonderful to have been honoured like this. Bishop Martin supported this and I received donations from all over Suffolk.

“I helped set up, and for five years have run, The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter. Last year, I initiated a collection of tents, clothes and food for refugees from Syria. So far I have taken two trucks and 16 car loads of goods to refugee camps in France.

“I accept this honour on behalf of all the volunteers who worked with me in both these ventures. For pocket money I walk dogs every day of the week, which also helps to keep me fit and healthy.

“I cannot wait to meet The Queen. I have got all my nails done and my hair done, and will be looking the best I can for her.”

She will be attended the service with her partner, two daughters and four grandchildren.