IT was 56 years ago that Bill Attenborough first set eyes on Queen Elizabeth II – and the photos he took that day have stayed with him ever since.

The 91-year-old had been serving as a photographer in the RAF and was on duty when she visited Northern Ireland during her coronation year.

Those snaps are kept in his Derby home – along with thousands he has taken of the city's cathedral and as a member of Derby Photographic Society.

In just over two weeks Mr Attenborough will once again meet the Queen – only this time, he will be shaking her hand instead of taking her photograph.

"I took quite a few pictures of the Queen during her visit but I don't think I will be asking her if she recognises me," Mr Attenborough said.

"It was a very long time ago and she's going to be very busy that day anyway.

"I didn't quite believe it when I received my invite letter – a lot of junk mail comes through the door and I thought it might have been another one of those.

"But then I saw the words Buckingham Palace and thought it must be serious. I actually thought it could have been a photography job!"

After signing up as an RAF photographer in 1946, Mr Attenborough spent 22 years snapping personnel and aircraft – as well as the unexpected task of photographing the Queen.

Over the past few years, he has taken photos of Derby Cathedral's choirs, as well as capturing the building for a range of CDs it has released.

He is a long-standing member of Derby Photographic Society and has been giving talks and lectures to the city's amateur photographers since joining in 1938.

He said: "Taking pictures of the Queen during her coronation year was probably the highlight for me in terms of photography.

"But I just enjoy taking pictures – I always carry a digital camera around with me in case I see something exciting."

During the Royal Maundy ceremony the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, will hand out purses of money. The ceremony commemorates the Last Supper.

Mr Attenborough will be among a group of pensioners who will be given a red leather pouch containing £5.50 and a white leather pouch containing the Maundy money, worth 84p and made up of historic coins.

Royal Maundy was established by King John in 1210 and used to be held every year in London. The Sovereign would traditionally hand money, food or clothing to the poor.

Early in her reign, the Queen decided the ceremony should be held in a different location every year.

This is the first time it is being held in Derby.

The number of people receiving gifts coincides with the Queen's age – so 84 men and 84 women will be handed purses at the ceremony.

The recipients were nominated for their services to the community and church.

Mr Attenborough added: "I feel very honoured to be invited to the ceremony and it is not something I ever thought I would experience."