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. She came out on top for her exceptional customer service and dedication to both the industry and her local community. Zoe took over the company after joining full-time on finishing her A levels just over 10 years ago and it proved a natural next step for her to indulge her ice passion. Now Tyne Valley Ices has its weekly rounds; regular pop-ups at caravan parks, playgrounds and care homes and also attends corporate, charity, school, village and wedding events throughout Northumberland.
