COUNCIL boss Kersten England has spoken of the great honour she will feel when she makes history by welcoming the Queen to York.

Wearing a special wig and cape, she will become the first female town clerk to welcome a monarch to the city since the civic role was created some 200 years ago.

The Queen will first touch the historic Sigismund sword, which was originally owned by an Emperor of Bohemia and was presented to York in 1437. The formidable looking weapon is 4ft 4ins long, and bears the Royal Arms on one side of the blade and the Arms of York on the other.

Ms England will then read out a proclamation. Later, following the Maundy service at York Minster, she will perform a similar duty when the Queen arrives at the Mansion House for lunch.

She revealed that she had met the Queen before, having been invited to Buckingham Palace several years ago in recognition of her role in helping Bradford to recover from the riots of 2001.

Ms England, whose status as town clerk is an honorary title in addition to her day job as chief executive of City of York Council, said the Queen's visit was a particularly important moment for York, as it came during both her Diamond Jubilee Year and the 800th anniversary of her ancestor King John granting a Royal Charter to the city.

“It's a great honour to be involved in welcoming her to the city,” she said.

She revealed that the palace had asked for the Queen to sit during the luncheon among the people of York – who include winners of The Press' Community Pride Award – and not just officials.