An ice cream maker in Northumberland, who developed a love for her work from spending idyllic childhood summers helping to serve customers from her parents' ice cream van, is celebrating sweet success at the national sector awards.
Zoe Philipson, from Tyne Valley Ices in Hexham, whipped the competition to win what's described as the biggest prize in the industry - the title of Ice Cream Van of the Year. And, after years of hard work in the family business, the award "means the world" she says.
The awards, run by the Ice Cream Alliance - the UK’s ice cream industry trade association, saw the category reduced to a shortlist and Zoe in the running with two other finalists, ahead of an interview by a panel of experts. She came out on top for her exceptional customer service and dedication to both the industry and her local community.
