Tyne Valley Ices, Hexham celebrates 50 years of trade

Hexham's popular ice cream van Tyne Valley Ices, which is now managed by Zoe Philipson, was started by her father, Alan, in 1974. 

Zoe, 31, took over the business when she was 18 years old.

Alan Philipson with his Tyne Valley Ices ice cream barrow in Hexham (Image: Supplied)

"For me, it's a pleasure to keep it going. My dad thinks it's incredible. Obviously, we're very grateful and thankful for the support of the people of Hexham, without them it wouldn't be possible.

Tyne Valley Ices produces its own ice cream (Image: Supplied)

"We've seen loads of changes in the town over the years and it's brilliant to be part of the local community still," she added.

A newspaper cutting of an award for Alan's strawberry ice cream (Image: Supplied)

READ MORE: Zoe of Tyne Valley Ices scoops up 'rising star award'

Zoe said the business had faced challenges but survived due to experience, good products and the support of the locals.

Zoe with the current Tyne Valley Ices van (Image: Supplied)

"Being able to grow the business and push it in different directions I think that helps. Every year's different, it's not the same and it's an exciting job that's got endless possibilities.

Alan is still involved in the business to this day (Image: Supplied)

"To me, it doesn't feel like a job, I love what I do so it doesn't feel like a day's work. The positive vibe you get from being in the van, everyone's happy when they visit and the positive impact on people we have helps.

Zoe serving staff at Hexham Hospital (Image: Supplied)

"We're not just an ice cream van, we're the first aid, the lost property, the lost child on occasion. Everyone's happy to enjoy the local produce, we make our own ice cream so serving it over the counter is a big deal."

Zoe has won numerous awards with Tyne Valley Ices products (Image: Supplied)

Zoe said her dad, who is now 73, has served generations of families and is now serving the grandchildren of his original customers.

"It's really special to him, now they're grandparents they're telling the younger ones stories of how they grew up seeing Alan on the ice cream van."

Alan serves ice cream on the Sele in Hexham (Image: Supplied)

Alan still serves ice cream in the van on the Sele and continued public support has helped him to stay.

"He's still involved as ever and I wouldn't have it any other way," Zoe added.

Her most recent award was the national 'Guido Morelli Rising Star' award from the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the trade body for the UK's ice cream industry early last year.