As the global economic crisis continues, there is a rush on gold, as it is increasingly regarded as one of the only safe commodities around.

The world's four major gold refineries are in Switzerland and most of the world's gold is processed there.

Last year a record 2600 metric tonnes or almost $100bn-worth (75.9bn euros) was imported and refined in Switzerland.

Imogen Foulkes gained rare access to one of the refineries for a look at this highly secretive industry.