Brighton-based horror writer James Herbert has been awarded an OBE by the Prince of Wales - and surprised the royal by telling him "you're in my new book".

Herbert, 67, has frightened millions of readers with his novels featuring the supernatural or threats to mankind like nuclear war or flesh eating giant rats.

During the 1970s a succession of novels like The Fog and Lair were must-read books which left readers with their hearts racing and he has hogged the best-seller lists ever since.

After the Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony the writer described the OBE, for services to literature, as an honour and something his mother, now dead, would have been proud of.

He added: "I believe it's the first time a horror writer has had an award of this kind. Strangely enough this year they had the world horror convention in England and they gave me the award - Grand Master of Horror.

"The recipient before me was Stephen King - so he'll be pleased for me today as we're old friends."

His latest work will be called Ash, the name of the character who has featured in another of his books, and will probably be published in two parts.

The writer would not give much away about the inclusion of Charles in the new novel but whetted the prince's appetite by telling him he makes an appearance.

The 67-year-old said: "I told him 'you're in my new book'. I'm glad it's not out yet but I told him 'It's okay, I'm not saying anything bad about you but you are there'. In fact I like him and I say some very nice things about him."

He added cryptically: "There's another secret in the palace that I divulge."