ONE of the region's best known independent ice cream makers has revealed plans to double production to one million litres a year, just months after it was almost frozen out of existence.

Brymor Real Dairy Ice Cream was set to close down last year after its home near Jervaulx Abbey, between Leyburn and Masham, North Yorkshire, was sold and the new owner did not want to run the business and ice cream parlour, which attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year.

Richmond businessman Paul Hodgson stepped in to rescue it, and working with the founder's granddaughter Nicola Moore, has launched a new drive to get Brymor’s 40 flavours into more farm shops, independent retailers and on local shelves in supermarkets throughout Yorkshire and the North-East.

The current Guernsey dairy herd of 100 milkers is being enlarged to provide more milk which when mixed with double cream in the product's secret recipe gives the ice cream its unique taste.

The plans were revealed at a special event held with Welcome to Yorkshire.

Mr Hodgson, who says he bought the business because he loves ice cream, added: "I loved the opportunity when it came along, Brymor is a fantastic brand and is regarded with a lot of affection by people."

The firm was founded in 1984 when Brian and Brenda Moore arrived at Jervaulx Hall Farm with their Guernsey cows. They built a manufacturing plant and parlour and opened the cafe, which has became one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Dales with thousands of visitors calling in all year round to sample the ice cream.

Mr and Mrs Moore both died in 2011 and their son Robert and his wife, and granddaughter Nicola carried on the business.

Robert Moore died in 2014 and the farm and business were put up for sale separately.

Nicola Moore, fearing it was the end of an era, appealed for someone to come forward to help save Brymor and Mr Hodgson stepped in.

The Guernsey herd now grazes on land at Hackforth, near Bedale with milk delivered daily to the parlour at High Jervaulx.

"We have an absolutely fantastic team of people, the milk is special and the ice cream is really special," added Mr Hodgson.

Richard Darbishire, accounts manager, said Brymor is already in Waitrose and the Co-op and they are pushing for it to be included in the local produce sections in the other main supermarkets in the region, as well as independent retailers and farm shops, particularly in Yorkshire and the North-East.