Coventry's Ricoh Arena is enjoying a brush with art after becoming one of the first stadiums in the country to appoint a resident artist.

Rachel Pearce has been commissioned to produce three pieces of work over a three month period to capture and add a new dimension to the £113 million multi-purpose complex.

The 24-year-old is also displaying a host of her existing work around the 100-seater Bistro restaurant at the heart of the centre.

The former Cardiff University art student said: "Making art for a living is a very hard career to get into and I think it is important that businesses help support local artists and contribute to the culture and reputation of the city which the Ricoh Arena is doing."

The first piece of artwork, which will be completed within the next few weeks, will be placed in the entrance of the 67-bedroom Arena Hotel.

It is an abstract piece inspired by the architecture of Coventry's regeneration.

Gary Atkinson, operations director at the Ricoh Arena, said Rachel had come to their attention after a member of staff spotted her work at an exhibition at the Belgrade Theatre.

He said: "Rachel is helping us celebrate the award-winning excellence of the architecture of the Ricoh Arena."