Ice cream award for king of cones

Philip Mancini is the third generation of his family to make ice creams in Ayr

An Ayrshire ice cream maker has taken top honours in the national awards for the industry.

Philip Mancini, of the Royal Cafe in Ayr, scooped five trophies including two champion of champions prizes in the Ice Cream Alliance event.

His family has been making ice cream for 96 years, and Philip boasts skills handed down through three generations.

He said it needed "passion and dedication" to ensure his ice cream could see off the competition.

Mr Mancini said: "To me ice cream should have a silky soft feel that melts in the mouth with flavours that light up your taste buds.

People love ice cream and no matter what the Scottish weather is doing people still want ice creams Philip Mancini

"We are always looking to try different ingredients and ideas to excite our customers."

The ice cream business was started by Mr Mancini's grandfather Antonio in 1913 and he is the third generation to run the business.

He is hoping his son Mark, who helped make the award-winning chocolate ice cream, will become the fourth generation involved.

Mr Mancini has worked in the shop since he was a boy and when his father, Michael, retired in 1991 he took over the business with his sister Anna.

'Outstanding achievement'

"We are very lucky to work in such a wonderful business," he said.

"People love ice cream and no matter what the Scottish weather is doing people still want ice creams."

Mr Mancini's haul included trophies for best artisan ice cream, best chocolate ice cream, best mango sorbet and a double champion of champions win.

Zelica Carr, chief executive of the ICA said: "To win five trophies is a truly outstanding achievement by Philip and his family.

"They were up against extremely strong competition but their ice creams were exceptional."