BURNLEY Football Club’s royal fan base is growing.

Earlier this year, Prince Charles revealed his support for the Clarets, cementing his relationship with the club by paying a flying visit to Turf Moor as part of a visit to the town.

And now younger brother Prince Edward has revealed he too keeps a close eye on Burnley’s results from afar.

The Prince recently met up with Burnley FC director John Sullivan, in London, to celebrate the success of the club’s thriving Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

Mr Sullivan, who masterminded bringing the award scheme to Burnley FC, said: “Naturally we are delighted at the success of the DofE scheme.

“It has taken off worldwide now and we were the forerunners as a football club, so we should feel very proud of our achievements.

“Prince Edward has been a genuine supporter of the scheme and expressed his delight at the success we have had and we now look forward to seeing him again in a few weeks’ time, along with the gold award winners.”

Prince Edward commented that, as well as his brother, Charles, he avidly supported Burnley Football Club and was disappointed at the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Mr Sullivan said: “The Prince and I talked about Burnley’s season and, like his brother Charles, he insisted he keeps a close eye on our results and was disappointed at our relegation.

"He was very keen to express his best wishes to the club for the season ahead and he hopes we make an immediate return to the top flight.”

The scheme has grown beyond all expectations and the first young people completing their gold awards will soon visit London to receive their awards.