TRAIN operator c2c and renowned ice cream makers Rossi have teamed up for a new initiative to promote day trips to Southend.

The two Southend-based companies have joined forces to give away 15,000 tubs of free ice cream to passengers at Westfield shopping centre and Fenchurch Street.

The latter is c2c’s flagship station in the heart of London.

The giveaway hopes to promote tourism to Southend during the summer to boost visitor numbers.

It comes after residents in Barking and Dagenham were offered free c2c line train tickets to travel to Southend for the day, as the Echo revealed last week.

Ernesto Sicilia, managing director of c2c’s owners Trenitalia UK, was delighted to team up with an institution such as Rossi’s.

He said: “Ever since I was first involved with c2c, people have been telling me that Rossi ice cream is the best.

“We are delighted to join forces with them and help promote a trip to Southend as the perfect way to spend your summer.”

Colin Gray, director of Rossi Ice Cream, said “We are pleased to be working with c2c to promote tourism and rail travellers to Southend.

“This follows a very successful previous event where c2c branded tubs of Rossi ice cream were given away to commuters.”

Both companies share an Italian heritage, with c2c owned by Italian rail giants Trenitalia since February. Last week, Rossi’s celebrated their 85th birthday with a special evening at their new factory in Temple Farm Industrial Estate.

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.

In addition to free ice cream, c2c are offering free tickets to Southend from London.