A Bradford artist famous for painting football stars has been given the royal seal of approval.

Darren Baker, 26, of Saltaire, was hired as the Professional Footballers' Association's official artist last year. But his latest work is a portrait of Prince Charles.

The oil painting, which took three months to complete, was originally produced for the Prince's Trust as a gesture for its support when he began his career. But Mr Baker decided to offer it to Prince Charles himself and he has received an invitation to personally present the painting to the prince and have it exhibited at St James's Palace in London.

Graduating from Bradford Art College in 1998, Mr Baker has produced a portfolio of portraits for clubs and companies including Bradford City, Leeds United, Glasgow Celtic and Granada TV.

He has also produced portraits of Teddy Sheringham, Prince Naseem Hameed, Frankie Detorri and Pope John Paul II.

Meanwhile, an exhibition of Mr Baker's work, entitled Football Fever, is set to run at Massarella Fine Art gallery in Victoria Road, Saltaire, from August 14 to 26.

Football legends such as David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp and Gary Lineker are featured in more than 20 pastel and oil paintings. A Sports Art Preview Evening is also being held there, in aid of Sport Relief, on August 14 from 7-10pm.