A DORSET ice cream company has scooped a top award for its Blue Vinny flavour following a Dragons’ Den-style presentation at a national food show.

Purbeck Ice Cream competed against hundreds of other producers to win the coveted Gold Innovation Award – the highest accolade at the Casual Dining Show in London.

Hundreds of products were scrutinised and a shortlist of ten then had to present their products to business experts in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch.

Patrick Ward, sales director for Purbeck Ice Cream, told the judges: “Our team look for foods and ingredients made within Dorset that we can develop for new and exciting flavours, and Dorset Blue Vinny Cheese was a natural choice.

“Chefs sampling this unusual flavour immediately imagine how and with what to serve it as it is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at all stages of the menu, whether swirled in soup, dotted on steak, served with poached pears or figs or on a cheeseboard”.

Hazel Hartle who founded the multi-award-winning company 25 years ago said: “Another super award gained recognising the superb foods made right here in Dorset.”