There are a reported 150,000 outlets retailing ice cream across the UK and the current trend has seen several new shops open in Bedford town centre.

But it is Italian ice cream that is putting the town on the nationwide food map.

Gallone’s in the Edwardian Arcade in Bedford has been nominated as one of the top ice cream entries in England in the Italian Awards 2017 Best Gelateria.

Shop owner Martin Keys said: “We are so very proud. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and the fact they have taken time to vote for us in the Best Gelateria awards is very humbling.”

Martin will be one of 10 finalists at the awards ceremony to be held at the end of October.

The Gallone's brand is well known for its wide range of delicious flavours of Italian ice cream and its Peanut Butter which has just been awarded 2 stars at the Great Taste Awards .

Gallone’s ice cream parlours originate in Northamptonshire and were founded by Aldo Gallone. They are now opening across the UK.  www.gallonesparlours.com

* The long established Spaghetti John’s at the Castle Quay area of Bedford (behind the Swan Hotel) recently won a prize for its Gelato John’s Deluxe Chocolate by the Guild of Fine Foods.