A DREAM became a reality for Miss Essex as she spent the afternoon learning about one of her favourite local businesses.

Emily Evans, 23, from Thorpe Bay, took a trip to Rossi’s ice cream factory, in Lucy Road, Southend, to learn more about the history of the firm and find out how it has grown locally over the years.

The recently crowned Miss Essex jumped at the chance to make her very own ice cream.

She said: “It was really good, was a really nice afternoon. We had a chat and spoke about what they are doing at the moment and I learnt about their history.

“They showed me how to make ice cream. It was good, I’ve never done something like that before.

“It’s a business that I have always loved. I've enjoyed their ice cream ever since I was born so it was a bit of a dream come true to go there.

“They’re a local home grown business and they’re doing really well.”