Coventry has been chosen to be the UK's City of Culture for 2021.

It has beaten off competition from Paisley, Stoke, Sunderland and Swansea to win the prestigious title.

Laura McMillan, manager of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: 'This is a win for Coventry, a win for young people and a win for diversity. The economic impact will be huge for the city and the West Midlands.

'It’s been a bid by and for the people of Coventry. It has brought so many people and organisations together and this is just the start. Over the next three years we will ensure that everyone in the city, which has been moving people by cycle car and jet engine, is now moving people through culture.'

The programme will include a Streets of Culture programme co-producing work in local communities. A 2.2 mile Ring Road poem is set to one of the digital centrepiece of 2021.

Coventry City Council leader George Duggins added: 'Hull has proved to be a worthy holder of the title this year but now it is our turn and I am confident we will do even better in 2021.'