THE famous Rossi Ice Cream celebrated its 85th birthday in style last night at its new factory.

The event, on the Temple Farm Industrial Estate, Southend, consisted of refreshments, tours, a special birthday cake and of course...plenty of ice cream.

Bosses also celebrated by looking back at the story behind the ice cream - and how it came to grace Southend.

More than 100 guests attended including Southend mayor, Faye Evans, Sir David Amess as well as a number of councillors and business owners from around town.

Colin Gray, director of Rossi’s Ice Cream, was overwhelmed by the event - and what Rossi’s had achieved.

He said: “I’m delighted to have reached this date and would like to thank all of the generations who have enjoyed Rossi’s ice cream down the years.

“I would like to also thank the team as they are the back bone.

“They are the ones who get the ice cream made and get it delivered so they deserve the recognition.

“We hope to continue to expand the business in the coming years.

“We will have some exciting news and announcements in the not too distant future.

“I look forward to moving into the future with the company as we continue to be successful.

“I am incredibly proud of all the team and their incredible achievement.

“85 years is a long time and we hope for many more successful years.”

The evening also consisted of a hospitality buffet, supplied by Holiday Inn Southend.

There was also a ten-minute “story so far” feature, in which they looked back at the rich history behind the ice cream makers.

A separate, dedicated history area also explored old labels and packaging.

It also looked at old images and old fashioned vehicles, including a trike and old aluminium milk churns and insulating churns.

There was also a host of presents exchanged to celebrate the special day.

An ice cream production will also be presented through a glass area for visitors to enjoy.

Guests were able to enjoy a selection of soft drinks and Prosecco, whilst they were also treated to an ice cream buffet.

Staff were on hand to discuss their various products which were on display throughout the evening.

Colin also took the opportunity to show off the new personalised tubs that Rossi’s will be introducing.

Rossi’s recently released a limited-edition Birthday Cake Ice Cream available in selected Rossi parlours throughout Essex during August.

Upon its release last week, Colin said: “We are delighted to have reached another milestone in the history of Rossi Ice Cream and will be celebrating our 85th Birthday.

“In recognition of this we have produced a limited-edition Birthday Cake ice cream, available at Rossi parlours during August, throughout the county.

“It’s the quality of our ice cream that has contributed to the success we have experienced over the generations.

“Rossi would like to thank all the loyal customers who enjoy our ice cream.

“We are now looking forward to the future with further business plans in place for expansion.”

The launch of the ice cream was celebrated with free samples of the ice cream being handed out to passers-by.