A popular ice cream parlour is expanding after just one year in business – and plans to move into a building that was once public toilets.

Sid's ice cream in Park Avenue, Deal, has proved a sweet treat haven for families since it opened last April.

Having spotted a vacant building in The Ropewalk, up the road in Sandwich, owners Clare Moore and Phil Sinden are now investing £8,000 into opening a second shop.

The premises, previously Potter's Bar, is expected to be ready within six weeks and will create three new jobs.

Mr Sinden, 44, from Deal, said: "We're very excited.

"It's a lot of work and we're only a small, family team, but the response since we announced it has been fantastic."

He told KentOnline how he kept driving past the building and his partner, Clare, 54 and two step sons had also spotted it.

He said: "We kept seeing the building and we all individually thought what a great place it would be for us.

"It's The Ropewalk – all the kids hang out there, it's near schools and the station.

"It doesn't look perfect but it's perfect for us."

Once transformed, Sid's in Sandwich will carry a 1950s' feel, with white and pink striped walls and a black and white chequered floor.

It will offer up to 22 flavours of ice cream, ranging from bubblegum and rhubarb and custard to birthday cake and chocolate brownie.

On offer will also be 10 varieties of vegan ice cream and other sweet snacks like slushies, milkshakes and donuts.

Customers will have the choice of browsing inside or being served through a hatch.

The building, next to Malcolm Waite's petrol station, was once public toilets.

As Potter's Bar, it served sandwiches and baguettes as well as hot drinks, but is thought to have been left vacant since 2016.

Mr Sinden, who previously worked in construction, decided to stop working during the outbreak of the pandemic to help shield his family.

When restrictions lifted, he and Clare bought an ice cream trailer which they set up on Deal seafront.

The business has since grown to include the shop and a mobile van which they sell from weekly at Deal's Saturday Market as well as events such as horse riding shows and weddings.

Mr Sinden said: "It's been a bit of a whirlwind.

"It was a novelty at first but people seem to have gone mad for it."

Among the almost 250 people who welcomed the couple's social media announcement was Sue Wright.

She said: "That is fantastic. Congratulations on expanding your empire."

Sharon Russell said: "That’s great news. It will be good to see that building in use again. Good luck."