THE Top Gear automotive art event at Middlesbrough's mima art gallery has sold out in less than 24 hours.

The 7,000 tickets were all snapped up by members of the public by 10.30am today. They had gone on release at midday yesterday.

The event will feature art work compiled by the show's presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

More than 70 pieces, from drawings, designs and water colours, to car parts, helmets and whole cars, will make up the display Tomorrow and Sunday, Top Gear will be filming in the art gallery and the town.

Coun Dave Budd, Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development at Middlesbrough Council, said: "The public's response to this event has been absolutely staggering.

"Selling 7,000 tickets in less than 24 hours is magnificent. This event has created a real buzz across the town and the wider Tees Valley and is a real coup for mima.

"I hope everyone who got tickets will enjoy the event and those who didn't will have plenty of opportunity to see the event next week."

The display the Top Gear presenters have created will remain on show until Sunday, November 29.

There is no need to have a ticket to visit the show from Monday, November 23 onwards and the opening hours are as follows: Monday, November, 23: midday to 5.00pm; Tuesday, November 24: 10.00am to 5.00pm; Wednesday, November 25: 10.00am to 5.00pm; Thursday, November 26: 10.00am to 8.00pm; Friday, November 27: 10.00am to 5.00pm; Saturday, November 28: 10.00am to 5.00pm; Sunday, November 29: midday to 4.00pm Visitors are advised that while tickets will not be required for the rest of the week, a queuing system may be introduced if demand remains high.