THE founder of a family-run ice cream buisness has died aged 76.

Brian Moore founded Brymor Ice Cream in 1985 as a farm diversification project and the business went from strength to strength, eventually becoming one of North Yorkshire’s most successful operations.

Born in Gomersal, West Yorkshire, the youngest of two sons, Mr Moore started out as an electrician in his father’s business.

But after meeting and marrying his wife, Brenda, he bought a house with a few acres of land to keep poultry and Dales ponies, which he liked to show.

Eventually, the couple turned their hobby into a business when they bought Manor Farm, near Weeton, in Harrogate, in 1973, where they kept a herd of 14 Guernsey cattle, renowned for their creamy milk.

Only 18 months later the business looked doomed when the government introduced milk quotas, which did not allow Mr Moore to earn enough money to support his family.

He decided to make ice cream with the spare milk from his Guernseys and founded Brymor Ice Cream, with just two ice cream-making machines.

The business quickly became a success and people flocked from miles to buy the ice cream which was sold from a small hut by the farm entrance.

In 1992, Mr Moore moved his business to High Jervaulx Farm, near Masham, which is now visited by more than 300,000 people a year and which supplies ice cream to 450 outlets.

Mr Moore was a well-known figure at the ice cream parlour and could often be found chatting with his customers.

He continued working until three years ago, when his deteriorating health forced him to step down, although he took an active interest in the business until shortly before his death last week.

Mr Moore is survived by Brenda and their children, Julie, Robert and Peter, six grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.