AN iconic North-East landmark has been “transported” to the Swiss Alps for a television advertising campaign.

Eagle-eyed viewers have spotted the familiar sight of Bowes Museum, at Barnard Castle, but in an unusual location, thanks to some TV trickery.

Using the slogan “hand made Swiss watches of distinction,” the ad shows a stylish woman driving along winding roads before pulling up at the front of a lavish home - Bowes Museum.

The action then switches indoors, where she meets her date for the evening.

The 30-second promotional film was made by Dene Films, which has a base in Newcastle, for hand made Swiss watch makers Dreyfuss and Co.

Director Mark Lediard explained that northern England was turned into the Alps for the ad.

“We shot the entire ad in one day at the beautiful Bowes Museum and on the nearby Pennine hills which doubled – with a little help – for the Alps.”

He added: “The brief was to produce, on a limited budget, an ad that had the look and feel of a perfume commercial whilst illustrating the Swiss heritage of the Dreyfuss watches brand.

“The background paintings were all assembled from stock photography and are all actual Alpine locations.”

Bowes Museum spokeswoman Sheila Dixon added: “Their director was aware of the museum and they came along to do some filming in July.

“They brought along a sports car and also filmed some shots inside the museum of the two actors leaning against the balcony.”

She said the museum did offer to hire itself out as a location for film and television productions.

“Dene Films were super to work with. There were not at all disruptive and we would love to work with them again,” she said.

The ad can be viewed at www.dreyfussandco.com and anyone interested in how Teesdale was transformed into the Swiss Alps can view a “making of” feature at www.marklediarddirector.com/dreyfuss-watches-the-making-of/