Hot weather and a flood of visitors to the Lake District has created a surge in sales for a Furness ice cream business.

The Handmade Ice Cream company, based at Greenodd's Crakeside Business Park, has been whipped into a frenzy in recent months as it has taken on more staff and opened a new parlour.

"We are absolutely rushed off our feet," said owner Steven Darvill.

"The amount of visitors to the Lakes has been insane.

"We are massively up on production and it's amazing how busy the places we supply are."

The company sells its products wholesale to outlets including Lowther Castle, Chestnut House, in Pooley Bridge, and the Hazelmere cafe, in Grange, as well as many other hotels and restaurants.

Steven started the business about eight years ago with a focus on making products from natural ingredients.

He said he believed trade was even busier than in summers before coronavirus affected international travel.

"I think so," he said.

"I think we have got such an influx of visitors.

"It's certainly been beneficial for trade.

"If you drive through the Lakes it is mobbed with people because no-one is going abroad."

In the spring, the company also opened its own parlour and waffle house in Greenodd.

"We opened it as a click and collect service for the first couple of months," said Steven.

"Now it's just open as a regular shop with social distancing, but it's still takeaway.

"The parlour gives us the scope to experiment with things in the local area and try out different flavours."

Steven added: "We have now got eight staff.

"We went from one employee to taking on more people for the shop and more production staff."