PRINCE Charles will crown his love affair with the Clarets by taking a royal tour of Turf Moor to meet Brian Laws and his Premier League battlers.

The Prince of Wales is set to return to Burnley on February 5 as part of his special crusade to transform the fortunes of the town.

And His Royal Highness has asked to meet senior club officials, to discuss life in the top flight, alongside the club's extensive community programme.

The Prince is a confirmed fan of the Clarets after asking club director John Sullivan about their progress at a Holyrood Palace reception last year.

Royal charities are hard at work across the borough, supporting everything from breakfast clubs to business and enterprise, since the Prince last visited Burnley nearly two years ago.

Ten of his organisations are involved in a variety of projects across Burnley, including the Prince's Trust and Business in the Community.

Charles will also be touring more institutions which hope to bring about positive changes for the next generation, including the new £81million Burnley College and UCLan campus in Princess Way.

He will also return to the former cotton industry heartland, the Weaver's Triangle, which the Prince developed a strong bond with after a visit to Burnley in 1985.

Council leader Gordon Birtwistle said: "To receive His Royal Highness for the second time in two years is a massive boost for Burnley and a major credit to our town.

"The Prince was glowing in his praise of what he saw on his previous visit.

He promised he would continue to take a close interest in what is going on in Burnley and this return visit shows that our town holds a special place in his heart."

Barry Kilby, Clarets chairman, said: "We are delighted that the Prince will be visiting Burnley FC as part of his visit to the town and we look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with The Prince's Trust for the benefit of the Burnley community, a vitally important piece of the jigsaw that helped us achieve our dream.

"We intend that that our Premier League status will leave a long lasting legacy for both Burnley FC and the town of Burnley and we look forward to explaining our plans."

Hugh Bramwell, Burnley College principal, added: "The Prince will meet with our high performing A level students who will exhibit their work and share their aspirations for the future, both personally and for the town of Burnley."

Charles will also visit Towneley Hall and its Offshoots permaculture project as well as Cherry Fold Primary School and members of Burnley Lane Action Group at Fraser Street Youth Centre.