Our top ice cream producers have got it licked.

WHEN it comes to keeping cool this summer Gloucestershire's got it licked.

With a variety of ice cream producers in the county, not to mention Barnwood's famous Walls factory, there is something on sale for everyone.

On the streets is family favourite Tartaglia, well known across Gloucestershire for its ice cream vans.

Founded in Sweerbriar Street in Kingsholm in 1920 by Ralph Tartaglia.

Tartaglia's Ice Cream is now based in Hyde Lane off London Road.

Director Mike Allen said the company's six ice cream vans had been in heavy demand this week.

He said: "People always want ice cream and they always want vanilla.

"The chimes of the van still attract the attention of everyone."

As well as the vans Tartaglia's sell ice cream and lollies at different locations across the county.

Mike said: "There is just the two of us running things now, we are quite a close knit team.

"When the weather is like this it is great we are always busy."

Over in Bromsberrow is Just Rachel an independent company run by Rachel Hicks.

Set up in 1989 as an antidote to the flavourless offerings on sale Just Rachel is famed for its unusual flavours, made using local ingredients, it now employs five people and Rachel herself.

Rachel, 48, said: "We are ideally placed to get ingredients from Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and the Vale of Evesham.

"Our most popular is damson and sloe gin, gooseberry and elderflower is lovely at this time of year and lemon with lemon curd is also great in the summer."

For more information on Just Rachel products visit www.justrachel.com