A company in the district is now producing the county's first solar powered ice cream.

Eighty-five new solar panels have been installed at Solley’s Kentish Ice Cream in Deal.

It means the business, which already had an existing 115 panels, can create enough energy to run all of its freezers from the sun and sell spare capacity back to the National Grid.

The new panels were installed thanks to a £10,000 green energy grant from Dover District Council (DDC).

Managing director of Solley’s, Keith Morrison, said: “The financial help from DDC has made a huge difference to the affordability of the solar technology, and helped us to reduce our business impact upon the environment both now and in the future.

"We now have Kent’s first Solar powered ice cream, and we owe a huge thank you to the council for their support in making these savings.”

Solley’s Kentish Ice Cream is the South East’s largest independent producer of real dairy ice cream.

The family run business has been making ice cream for over three decades.

DDC aims to become a net zero carbon emitter by 2030 at the latest and aspires for the whole district to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Cllr Chris Vinson, DDC cabinet member for climate change, said: “We are pleased to be able to support this well-established local business.

"These solar panels will help Solley’s Kentish Ice Cream to reduce their carbon footprint and will help to control their future energy bills by switching to renewable energy.

"This supports the council’s aim for the district to work towards net zero."

DDC promotes a wide range of funding opportunities to help residents and businesses become more energy efficient.

Small businesses of up to 50 employees can apply for a green energy grant for up to 50% of their costs, up to £10,000.