More than 5,000 people visited the North-East's newest art gallery in its opening weekend. A week after the doors opened on the region's latest multi-million pound attraction, Graeme Hetherington dropped in to check on its early success.

IF early indications are anything to go by, the region has already taken Mima - the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art - to its heart.

Visitors to the gallery yesterday were full of praise, echoing comments written in the book at the entrance, and its education department has had the first of many visits from artistic schoolchildren.

Gallery curator Godfrey Worsdale said he had been overwhelmed by the initial reaction and goodwill from the people of Middlesbrough - and beyond.

He said: "It has been absolutely fantastic. We are thrilled to bits with the number of people who have visited and the positive comments were are hearing.

"Art is a very emotive subject and people are keen to give their views, and that is exactly what we are wanting."

A range of events, lectures and tours have been organised and pupils from Abingdon Primary School were among the first to use the education suite.

Headteacher Bob Eastwood said the gallery was an asset to the town, which his pupils would maximise to develop their artistic talents.

"The children absolutely loved visiting the gallery and seeing the work of some of the leading modern artists in the world," he said.

"A gallery like this can get more and more children interested in art, and having it on our doorstep is wonderful for pupils who are wanting to develop their artistic skills."

Since the ambitious £14.2m project was announced nearly five years ago, the opening of the world-class gallery was the subject of eager anticipation in the region.

Designed by Dutch-born architect Erick van Egeraat, the building has been hailed a masterpiece to match the works of art it will house.

"I was really surprised by the work that was in the gallery," said Elaine Roberts, from Hemlington, Middlesbrough, who was visiting Mima yesterday.

"I didn't know what to expect, but it is certainly interesting and should get plenty of visitors."

University student Gemma Atkinson added: "It's a little different. I think it will be ideal for people wanting to learn a little about modern art and there is nothing wrong with opening your mind to new experiences."

The gallery's launch exhibition, Draw, features some of the world's greatest modern and contemporary artists.

Works by Picasso, Matisse, Marcel Duchamp, Francis Bacon, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol and Joseph Beuys are on show, alongside seven modern British artists, Chantal Joffe, Chris Ofili, Ceal Floyer, Damien Hirst, DJ Simpson, Gavin Turk and Stockton-born David Musgrave.