AN ice cream maker has dedicated his firm’s success in a national contest to the memory of his late mother, who founded the business almost a decade ago, against his advice.

Lickety Split Creamery, of Seaham, won the Silver Challenge Cup for its artisan ice cream in the 2017 National Ice Cream Competition, run by The Ice Cream Alliance.

Owner Carl Thompson said it was a very emotional moment when he was presented with the trophy, just four months after his mother Cindy died of cancer, aged 64.

|He said: “It has been a very tough time. She would have been very proud. I am dedicating our success to her.”

He said that when his mother told him more than nine years ago she wanted to set up the business he advised her against it, but decided to help out when she pressed ahead.

He said the business, which is based near the beach in Seaham and features a 1950s American themed parlour, was an immediate success.

Mr Thompson is helped in the business by his wife, Leanne, mother-in-law Marilyn, cousin Caitlin and other family members.

As well as its own parlour, it also supplies other restaurants and coffee shops in the area.