OXFORD: Michael Stanley has been appointed as the new director of the Modern Art Oxford gallery.

Mr Stanley has been director of Milton Keynes Gallery for about five years and was previously Gallery Curator at Ikon, Birmingham.

He said: "I recognise the rich and distinguished history of inspirational directors and seminal exhibitions at Modern Art Oxford. I am excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to add my own chapter to the remarkable success story of the Gallery."

Mr Stanley replaces the outgoing Director Andrew Nairne and will take up post in January 2009.