A NORTH-EAST museum has strengthened its cross Channel connections by launching its own range of French wines.

The 19th Century Bowes Museum, near Barnard Castle, which was founded by an Englishman John Bowes and his French wife, Josephine, has developed its own range of bottled wines in partnership with fifth generation Loire Valley wine producers Jacques and Vincent Gandon.

The red, white and ros wines are available through the museum shop and in the caf. A sparkling wine is due to be launched early next year.

Visit the museum from 11am to 5pm, telephone (01833) 690606, www.bowesmuseum.org.uk.