LOVERS of modern art stopped to admire a sculpture outside one of the region's art galleries.

Made out of wooden pallets, a tea chest and a square of cerise fabric, it appeared to be making a bold statement.

People walked around it in curiosity while others took photographs.

Staff at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, Gateshead, appeared confused because no one had been informed of the installation.

It was only on closer inspection that they realised they had been tricked.

Pinned to the wooden frame was a note reading: "Dear Baltic, this one's on us. Hope you enjoy it. Lots of love from the bottom of our hearts. XXXX"

The unknown prankster had gone to considerable trouble to construct the "sculpture" over-night, close to a piece by Angel of the North creator Antony Gormley.

Student Helen Barker, 23, said: "I couldn't figure out what the artist was trying to say but I must admit I was quite struck by what he'd done.

"Now I realise it's a hoax I feel a bit of a fool, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

One worker at the Baltic said: "It could be someone's prank or it could be a genuine modern artist who is trying to get his work recognised."

A woman who saw the artwork said: "I think whoever did it is poking some fun at the Baltic but they must have put some work into it. I think it looks quite good."