TWO experts are to carry out an audit of a town's modern art collection.

The works by Lowry, Graham Sutherland, Frank Auerbach, Bridget Riley and Stanley Spencer are earmarked for display in a gallery due to open in Middlesbrough in 2005.

Conservators Kirsten Elliott and Ian Thaden Perrins will examine and, where necessary, restore the works, many of which have been lying in storage and which may be showing signs of deterioration.