The Earl of Wessex will visit Burnley Football Club to celebrate the achievements of 23 local young people who have attained the club's first set of Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The youngsters have worked hard to achieve the accolades under the close supervision of the football club and Community Sports Trust.

Named after the Earl's father, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme has proved popular with young people from Burnley, who have been inspired to get fit, discover new talents, challenge themselves and help their community.

Burnley Football Club chairman Mr Barry Kilby, who will welcome the royal visitor to Turf Moor, said: "We have been overwhelmed with the popularity of our Duke of Edinburgh Award programme.

"Not only has it proved a real hit with the kids, but it is so important in developing the positive attitudes and confidence for them to really make the most of their lives".

The Earl will spend two hours in the town, attending the awards reception for the young people, before moving on to other engagements.
The visit comes three weeks after his brother, the Prince of Wales, visited Burnley to see how his charities could help revitalise the town.