IT might be cold outside but ice cream lovers are welcoming the newest addition to Hexham.

Molly Moo’s Ice Cream Parlour, which has opened on Hallstile Bank, is the perfect place to satisfy sugar cravings.

Molly Moo’s serves 12 different ice cream flavours from local company Beckleberry’s, along with sweet and savoury snacks.

As well as Beckleberry’s gourmet ice cream, the parlour also offers soups, paninis, desserts and milkshakes.

First-time business owner Christine Hodgkinson came up with the idea for Molly Moo’s whilst on holiday.

She said: “It was about nostalgia. I wanted to recreate those times you had as a kid when your granny would take you out for ice cream.”

Having worked in retail management for over 30 years, Christine has always wanted to have her own business.

“I thought now was the time to do something for myself,” she added.

“Hexham doesn’t have anything like this so I’m hoping it will be popular.

“I am enjoying the process of owning a business so far; it’s all new and very exciting.”

It’s been a whirlwind from the birth of the idea to the finished result.

In two weeks, Christine and her husband, who live in Langley, refurbished the parlour themselves.

Inside, Molly Moo’s is modern and fresh, decorated in crisp white and bright colours.

“The design is funky and looks different to everywhere else,” she added.

Christine admits that it is not the peak time of year for ice cream, but the other sweet treats and savoury snacks on offer mean there is plenty of reason to go to Molly Moo’s.

They will be selling new flavours of ice cream every week from traditional vanilla and chocolate to the more adventurous banana and ginger, peanut butter crunch and blackcurrant and liquorice.

There are big plans for Molly Moo’s in the coming year.

Christine hopes to add waffles and speciality desserts to the menu.

“There is a possibility of doing small children’s parties too,” she added.