A schoolboy was left feeling star-struck after his dream of meeting a Burnley FC goalkeeper came true thanks to the Duke of Cambridge.

In January, Prince William took a shine to Deacon Glover after meeting him at the Church on the Street charity in Burnley.

After learning that his mother, Grace Taylor, died last year William offered some words of comfort to Deacon, telling him “it will get easier”.

After spotting Deacon, 11, was wearing a Burnley football top, Prince William asked him if he would like to meet the team’s goalkeeper and last week, he made that a reality.

The Unity College pupil went on a tour of Turf Moor and even got the chance to meet goalie, Nick Pope.

He chatted with Nick and also received a signed shirt from him.

Deacon’s grandma, Samone Broxton, said he was “overwhelmed and amazed”

Samone, 48, said: “Prince William made Deacon’s dream come true.

“We were introduced to the owners, shown around the stadium and treated like royalty. We were offered drinks on the door straight away.

“The owner took Deacon out onto the ground and Nick Pope just popped up and Deacon was overwhelmed it was just amazing.”

After being surprise by the goalie’s appearance, Samone said he was “speechless”.

She said: “Deacon was shocked and couldn’t believe it. He was speechless and his family started crying.

“It has been his dream since he started playing football around three years ago. He always goes to their matches and it was an absolute dream come true for him.

“He hasn’t smiled since his mum passed away and he had a smile on his face all day.

“I would like to thank the prince for making my grandchild’s dream come true, and for the football club for having us.”

Nick Pope said: “It was great to meet Deacon and have a good chat with him.

“He’s a goalkeeper himself, a Burnley fan, he lives down the road and he’s obviously been through a really tough time across the pandemic.

“I felt proud that I could have a nice impact on him, meet him, speak about goalkeeping and talk about going through tough times. It was a proud moment for myself to be able to have an impact on somebody’s life, even if it’s just in a small way.

“It’s a nice story from the weekend that I can take some pride in.”