An ice cream van owner is celebrating after being named one of the best in the country.

Zoe Philipson, who runs Tyne Valley Ices, came second in the finals of the Ice Cream Alliance’s national Mobiler of the Year competition.

She was the only female and the youngest in the competition, which recognises those who have excelled in the industry.

“I was not expecting it at all,” she said.

“There is such a vast choice out there so it was good to be recognised for the work that I do.”

Zoe had to face a panel of judges at the event held in Harrogate. The top three ice cream van operators in the country were chosen, based not only on their ice cream but their work in the community.

Zoe is part of the environmental group, Hexham Clean and Green, sponsors a local football team, plays a key role in the Hexham shop local campaign and raises money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.