A Tyne Valley businesswoman has scooped up a prestigious award.

Zoe Philipson, 30, of Tyne Valley Ices in Hexham won the national 'Guido Morelli Rising Star' award from the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the trade body for the UK's ice cream industry.

"This is utterly mind blowing," Zoe said.

"To be nominated by unknown individuals from within the industry for something I consider 'the norm' is unreal.

"It has definitely not sunk in yet but having people I look up to, congratulate me will be something I always remember."

Tyne Valley Ices is a manufacturer, wholesaler and ice cream operator.

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It has been known nationally and internationally for its vast modern range of sauces which they ship out worldwide.

Zoe has been involved with her parents' business full-time since finishing her A-levels at school but as a child watched her parents' business grow.

She adds: "It was truly idyllic, a child's dream."

The Guido Morelli Rising Star award is announced annually by the ICA and was created in 2014 in memory of the ICA Past President Guido Morelli, who was a member of the family that runs the world-famous Irish ice cream company.

The aim is to recognise young talent or someone new to the industry.

Zelica Carr, ICA CEO, congratulated Zoe and said: "Zoe Philipson is a very worthy winner of one of the most prestigious awards in the ice cream industry.

"She has had some stunning success already and we wait to see her career and business grow, develop and thrive into the future."