A TRAVEL campaign to make Surrey Hills a “must see” destination has been launched with the backing of bus and rail companies.

Artist Louise Dunckley has created a series of “stand out” 1930s-style posters of iconic sites now on display at railway and bus stations throughout the South East.

Metrobus has gone one step further to promote the area by adorning the back of two double decker buses with the views.

Surrey Hills chairman David Wright, said: “It’s been great to work with our partners in the travel sector to spread the word about the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“As 2018 marks 60 years since the Surrey Hills was officially designated an AONB, we are taking every opportunity to raise public awareness of our beautiful landscape and encourage visitors and residents alike to enjoy its tranquility and participate in its rural economy.”

The campaign focuses on six iconic sites across the Surrey Hills: Frensham Great Pond, the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Newlands Corner, Box Hill and Reigate Hill, with ideas for things to do.

Metrobus marketing manager Charlotte Bruce commented: “It’s been a real pleasure to work with the Surrey Hills AONB and help them promote using public transport to visit this beautiful area.

“The illustrations by Louise Dunckley are just stunning and look amazing on the two buses.

“The illustrations will be on the buses for at least two years and you might spot them around Surrey and also in Sussex. We were really pleased to be a part of this campaign.”

Louise Dunckley added: “A little while ago I began to revisit the old railway posters from the 1930s, and felt it was a style I’d love to try and recreate.

“I grew up in the Surrey Hills and it’s been wonderful to create these posters in honour of 60 years of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

The Surrey Hills was one of the first landscapes in the country to be designated in 1958 and is now one of 38 AONBs in England and Wales.

The AONB designation has been a planning tool to help protect the area from development pressures, although the Surrey Hills is unique in being wholly contained within the Green Belt.

The Surrey Hills Board continues to develop policies and programmes that protect and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the Surrey Hills whilst promoting the social and economic well-being of the area.

The posters are also available in postcard form and as limited edition prints. A £5 donation from the sale of each print goes to the Surrey Hills Trust Fund to help safeguard the future of the Surrey Hills landscape.