A team has been created to promote culture in Middlesbrough.

The town's Dorman Museum reopens in the New Year following a £3m modernisation and extension programme. A modern art gallery is also being planned as the centrepiece of what Middlesbrough Borough Council says will be a "lively culture quarter in the heart of the town".

Godfrey Worsdale, former director of Southampton Art Gallery, will head the team, while Phil Philo, who ran the Kirkleatham Museum, near Redcar, will be senior curator at the Captain Book Birthplace Museum.

Anne Keville who managed the World of James Herriot in Thirsk, takes up the post of marketing and development manager. James Beighton who worked in the City Gallery, Leicester, is the new curator of crafts at the Cleveland Craft Centre.

Marie Neeson has been appointed education and audience development manager at Middlesbrough Art Gallery while Julia Palmer moves from her post of craft curator to project co-ordinator.

Mr Worsdale said: "This is a new and enthusiastic team who are determined to ensure that the service enriches the lives of all Middlesbrough people. There are some projects coming to the town and we want everyone to share in their success."