A HUSBAND and wife team whose family has been making gelato in Swanage for more than 90 years has scooped a national ice cream award for the second year running.

Ricky and Hannah Forte, who run Fortes Gelateria at The Mowlem Theatre, Institute Road, won the silver challenge cup for their dairy ice cream in the National Ice Cream Competition.

The contest is organised by the Ice Cream Alliance, the trade body for the UK's £1bn ice cream industry, and Fortes had to fight off competition from all over the country.

“We’re very pleased,” said Hannah. “It will be proudly displayed in our gelateria.”

She said they had entered the contest previously and won gold for the first time last year with their blackcurrant frozen yoghurt.

The Forte family have been making gelato for three generations, with the business starting in 1926, when Ricky’s grandfather Alfonso left his home in Italy and opened an ice cream parlour on Swanage seafront.

“All our gelato and sorbets are freshly handmade on the premises,” said Hannah.

“We strive to create a truly unique and authentic artisan product by combining our exclusive family recipes and using only the finest ingredients available.”

Fortes also won a silver medal for their Cremino flavour and a bronze for their mango yoghurt.

Ice Cream Alliance chief executive officer Zelica Carr, said: “Ricky and Hannah can be proud that they are maintaining the high standards of the Forte family in making the finest ice creams.”