The heir to the throne expressed his delight the Clarets were now in the Premier League after meeting club director John Sullivan at a private reception at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh recently.

The Prince told Mr Sullivan he follows the Clarets' matches with interest, sending his congratulations to all the team and fans.

The club's Community Sports Trust also came in for praise, in particular the Prince's Trust and Duke of Edinburgh's Award, with the Prince commenting he was very grateful for the hard work John Sullivan and the club have done for the community, including a pilot scheme with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Burnley is the flagship Football League club delivering a Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, awarding an unrivalled 105 awards this year on the back of its most successful year yet.

This was originally Mr Sullivan's idea and inspiration and has been so successful it has now spread to 22 other league clubs.

Mr Sullivan said: "The Prince was delighted at the progress made by the club and has expressed a desire to visit us and see the good work we do in the community for himself, should his diary allow."