Blackburn Rovers clash with Celtic is set to become a Royal affair after Camilla Parker-Bowles revealed she's looking forward to the match.

Camilla said she had been watching Rovers progress this season in a meeting at an awards ceremony with a Blackburn newsagent.

She wished Rovers well and said she was looking forward to the Scottish clash.

Camilla's football knowledge was revealed to Solly Khonat, who was invited to Prince Charles' country home to claim his award as one of the country's Unsung Heroes.

But in addition to an award ceremony and an exclusive lunch, the 42-year-old found himself strolling round the 25 acre gardens with the prince's partner Mrs Parker-Bowles, who freely chatted about football and "lovely" Blackburn.

A Rovers fan himself, who will be cheering on the team in Glasgow tonight, Mr Khonat was delighted when Camilla sung the praises of the Rovers squad.

He said: "Camilla spoke with a very posh accent and said Blackburn Rovers were doing really well.

"She said they were playing Celtic this week and she was looking forward to the match.

"She said Blackburn was a lovely place but I never thought of asking her when she was here."

Mr Khonat added: "I had 10 minutes with the prince and he is completely different from what you expect from the television or what you read.

"I don't know where he had his research from but he knew all about what I had been doing and said I was doing a tremendous job.

"He said he and his mum wanted to honour those who work in the community and that felt very good."

Mr Khonat has dedicated an 18-year career as a newsagent to the benefit of his community in Johnston Street.

He was one of 50 winners from 4,000 nominees nationwide in the Daily Mail Golden Jubilee Unsung Hero awards.

He dined at the 18th century Highgrove mansion with a relaxed Prince Charles.

Mr Khonat, a modest family man, insists that going beyond the call of duty -- be it delivering bread to the elderly or helping other newsagents from losing business -- is "a lifetime commitment and just how I want it to be." He was welcomed at HRH Prince Charles' country home in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, for the award ceremony and then taken on a tour.

In his role as branch secretary for the North West National Federation of Newsagents, Mr Khonat has advised several newsagent businesses on how to stay competitive in what he describes as a "strained and highly competitive market."

He thinks nothing of delivering a loaf on foot to the local elderly residents and takes pride in serving the community, be they "white, pink or black".

Mr Khonat is also in his second year working as a justice of the peace with Blackburn magistrates.

The father-of-five said: "Wanting to help others is just how I was taught to be by my parents and how I educate my family.

"But you never achieve these things alone. It is thanks to the support of my family who do a lot of the hard work."

Judges of the awards included TV presenter Esther Rantzen, England cricket captain Nasser Hussain, film star Vinnie Jones and yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur.

Ray Butler, of Denville Road, Blackburn, who was one of several people who backed Mr Khonat for the award, said: "He goes out of his way for anyone, no matter of colour or race.

"He is a tremendous man and deserves all the credit."