Silver swan returns to The Bowes Museum after wowing visitors to Robots exhibition in London

THE Bowes Museum's iconic Silver Swan attracted thousands of visitors during its temporary move to London.
The 18th century automaton was part of an exhibition called Robots at the Science Museum.
With the exhibition now over, the swan was back in action at The Bowes Museum last weekend (April 8) where its popular 40-second performance is seen daily.
Richard Welsby, head of finance at the museum, said the swan had proved a popular attraction at the Robots exhibition.
He told Barnard Castle Town Council's partnership committee some 60,000 people had flocked to Robots, with audiences packing in to see the swan.
To coincide with the swan’s return, the museum has unveiled a portrait of its inventor John Joseph Merlin.
The newly-discovered painting by Thomas Gainsborough, one of the leading artists of 18th century England, was acquired with the support of the ACE/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Friends of The Bowes Museum.
Mr Welsby also updated members on latest activities at the museum, where he said preparations were continuing in the run up to its 125th anniversary campaign.
Part of this will include the museum's experts examining its permanent collections to come up with the 125 best objects.
Other forthcoming events include an exhibition celebrating the life and world of Josephine Bowes starting in May, while throughout the summer The Clockwork Garden will offer visitors an interactive experience.
Mr Welsby said the museum's ongoing photographic competition was proving popular.
“We have got quite a lot of interest and had some good submissions.”
The competition is running alongside the exhibition Only in England, which features the work of Tony Ray Jones and Martin Parr and continues to May 7.
Mr Welsby said Mr Parr had agreed to judge the competition, which runs until April 23 and takes the theme Only in the North, and invites people to share their snaps of the region.