Scottish ice cream champion Philip Mancini has proved he is more than the king of ice cream - by winning a top award for his sorbet.

He licked the opposition to clinch first place for his delicious blackcurrant sorbet dessert at the prestigious National Ice Cream Competition run by the Ice Cream Alliance the trade body for the UK's £1bn ice cream industry.

Philip - nicknamed ‘King Cone' because of his record of success- impressed judges with his high class blackcurrant sorbet.

Philip has been crowned UK champion ice cream maker three times and won numerous awards for his ice cream over the years.

Philip said: "I'm always delighted to win these ICA awards as you're competing against the very best in the business.

"It comes after a great year for Mancini's and the ice cream industry as a whole. A great summer like we had in 2018 is always good news for us and we've got an exciting 2019 ahead too."

The latest success marks the start of what Philip hopes will be a new chapter in his ice cream dynasty.

Having put plans for semi-retirement on ice, the third-generation ice cream supremo hopes to open a beach-front cafe in Prestwick in April.

Philip said: "I told my family I was going to spend more time on the golf course this year - but I can't stay away from ice cream.

"I put our success down to Italian flavours combined with the best quality Scottish dairy products and generations of experience handed down from father to son."

As well as the new cafe, the grandfather-of-three looks set for a record year supplying romance-themed ices to wedding across Scotland.

The specialist treats include Jamaican Me Crazy, made with exotic fruits, a strawberry and prosecco sorbet and an alluring dark chocolate and raspberry creation.

The ICA National Ice Cream Competition recognises the best manufacturers and vendors from across the UK and Ireland.

Zelica Carr, Chief Executive Officer for the Ice Cream Alliance said: "Many congratulations to Philip who continues to demonstrate his variety of skills whether it be ice cream or sorbets."