They were looking for quintessential picture postcard images of their home in Shropshire, but what bosses at German dairy giant Muller got were pictures of the wrong county.

It appears that the firm, which is based in Market Drayton, has muddled up its English counties, mistaking the rolling hills of Shropshire for the green and pleasant surroundings of Wiltshire in images used on its website.

Eagle-eyed bosses at Visit Wiltshire have spotted that the dairy manufacturer is in fact using images of their county on its website which declares “Welcome to Shropshire”.

They claim that a video clip that can be seen on the Muller site was filmed in the Wiltshire village of Castle Combe.

Advertising gurus believed Muller had struck gold when it devised a major publicity campaign singing the praises of its Shropshire home.

The firm uses images of the county on its television advertisements, press adverts and even on its lorries.

Bryn Jones, marketing manager for Visit Wiltshire, said: “The website www.mullerdairy.co.uk proudly proclaims its ‘local diary goodness from the heart of Shropshire’, so we were rather bemused, but also quite delighted, when we spotted unmistakable ‘moo-ving’ images of Castle Combe.

“It’s not really surprising that they show a cyclist pedalling through Castle Combe as it’s regularly commented that the village is the prettiest in England and what better compliment than being used in the publicity for such a well known international brand.”

Mr Jones added: “Perhaps we can reach an agreement with Muller that they can use as many images of Wiltshire as they like in return for a year’s supply of yoghurt after all, there is no point in crying over spilt milk.”

Gharry Eccles, the chief executive at Muller Dairy, commented: “Muller Dairy is very proud that from our home in Shropshire we make yoghurts and desserts that are enjoyed by millions of people throughout the UK.

“We celebrate our fine county and country life wherever possible and in that context it would be a shame not to use images from other parts of the country that celebrate the countryside too.

“It’s not surprising that the Wiltshire tourist authorities are proud of their wonderful county’s contribution to this.”