It is the end of an era for an iconic ice cream company after being sold to new owners.

Rossi, which has been a favourite among Southend residents and daytrippers alike for 90 years, has been snapped up by the Party Man group.

Started by the Rossi family in 1932, the company was sold to Colin Gray in 2006.

But, after 15 years at the helm, Mr Gray is set to retire. He will spend the next two years ensuring a smooth transition in a deal which ensures the jobs of all the current Rossi staff.

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The Party Man group, which is owned by Essex businessman James Sinclair, has been chosen by Mr Gray to take the ice cream company forward.

Scroll through our gallery above to see some eye-catching images of Rossi through the years.